Deepika Padukone, who recently welcomed her daughter Dua, returned to Instagram with a poignant and emotional video that deeply resonated with her fans. The video, filled with nostalgic reflections, not only offered a glimpse into her personal life but also prompted introspection about identity, home, and the duality of her emotional connection with two cities—Mumbai and Bengaluru.
In the video, shared on Wednesday evening, Deepika is seen getting her hair styled while speaking candidly about a question she has often been asked: “Mumbai or Bengaluru?” The question triggered a flood of memories and emotions for the actress, who spent her formative years in Bengaluru but built her professional life in Mumbai. With a thoughtful demeanor, she delved into her relationship with both cities.
One particular moment in the video drew smiles from viewers, especially those familiar with Bengaluru’s iconic dessert destination. When asked if she missed Corner House, the beloved ice cream parlour in Bengaluru, Deepika chuckled and replied, “I do miss it, but I’m actually in a way glad there isn’t one in Mumbai because that would require a different level of willpower.” Her candid answer captured the relatable struggle of resisting tempting indulgences and showcased her ability to mix warmth and humor even in moments of reflection.
The conversation soon turned to the core question: if she had to choose between Mumbai and Bengaluru, which one would it be? Her answer was heartfelt and full of emotional weight. “Whenever I come back to Bangalore, it feels like home… because this is where I’ve lived a large part of my life. This is where I’ve grown up — my friends, my school, my college — all of those formative years and experiences have been here,” she shared.
Her sentiments underscored how deeply her childhood memories are rooted in Bengaluru. It’s the city where she grew up, forged her closest friendships, attended school and college, and developed the foundations of who she is today. Bengaluru represents her past, her beginnings, and the simpler chapters of her life before fame and stardom took over.
However, her emotional bond with Mumbai is just as strong, albeit different. She acknowledged the significance of the city where her professional journey began. Speaking about Mumbai, she said, “Bombay again, because professionally, that’s where my life began and that’s where home is now. The energy in Mumbai is very, very different. It’s very difficult to choose one over the other. But I feel like both cities have really influenced my 39 years.”
These words reveal her recognition of Mumbai’s dynamic influence on her life, not just as a city but as the setting where her dreams took flight. It is in Mumbai that she evolved from a budding model to one of the most celebrated actresses in the country. The bustling energy of Mumbai, often described as the city that never sleeps, has played a crucial role in shaping her work ethic and outlook on life. For Deepika, Mumbai symbolizes growth, ambition, and the present, while Bengaluru remains a cherished anchor to her roots.
The reel that accompanied her reflections was visually moving. It featured a montage of never-before-seen childhood photos, school and college clips from her days in Bengaluru, and nostalgic throwbacks from her early modelling career in Mumbai. These visuals added emotional depth to her narrative, letting fans witness the journey she spoke about so eloquently.
Deepika captioned the video with the question that inspired it all: “A question I get asked ever so often…Bengaluru or Mumbai?” The caption served as a powerful summary of the internal dialogue many people experience when they straddle different worlds—one representing their roots and the other their reinvention.
While the video itself was focused on her personal reflections, it also offered a subtle update about her current phase of life. Having recently become a mother, Deepika has been selective about her public appearances. She gave birth to her daughter Dua, and although she has not made any official announcements about future projects post-motherhood, there’s a strong buzz in the film industry.
Reports suggest that the team behind Kalki 2 is eager to bring Deepika back for the highly anticipated sequel. Her performance in previous roles, including her recent portrayal as the powerful DCP Shakti Shetty in Singham Again, has left audiences impressed and eager for more. However, Deepika has yet to confirm any upcoming film officially.
In the meantime, she has been sharing brief yet impactful glimpses of her life as a new mother on social media, much to the delight of her fans. These moments reflect her joy and adjustment to motherhood, showcasing a new dimension of her life. While she continues to balance her personal and professional commitments, her followers wait patiently for news about her next steps in the film industry.
This Instagram reel, though simple in format, carried a profound emotional weight. It highlighted the delicate dance between holding onto one’s past while embracing the future. For Deepika Padukone, both Bengaluru and Mumbai are not just places on a map—they are emotional landscapes that have molded her identity.
Her honesty in expressing love for both cities without trying to pick a favorite resonated with many who face similar crossroads in life. The contrast between the calming nostalgia of Bengaluru and the electrifying hustle of Mumbai echoed with fans who saw their own life stories reflected in hers.
By openly sharing her inner dialogue, Deepika reminded her audience that success often comes with difficult choices, but it’s possible to honor both where we come from and where we’re headed. The video wasn’t just about two cities—it was about the journey of becoming, and the importance of never forgetting your roots, no matter how far you go.
With this touching tribute, Deepika not only reconnected with her fans after a personal milestone but also reasserted her unique ability to communicate powerful emotions through subtle, sincere storytelling. Whether through her films or her Instagram reels, she continues to inspire, reminding everyone that home isn’t always a single place—it can be two, or even more, each holding a piece of your soul.