Deepika Padukone recently opened up about her debut in the Hindi film industry and revealed that she never experienced the feeling of being an outsider, largely due to the support she received from director Farah Khan. She made these comments at the WAVES 2025 event held in Mumbai, where she joined superstar Shah Rukh Khan in a session titled The Journey, moderated by filmmaker Karan Johar.
During the session, Karan Johar brought up the ongoing debate about insiders versus outsiders in Bollywood, a topic that continues to spark discussions within the industry and among fans. When asked for her thoughts on the matter, Deepika reflected on her own experience entering Bollywood back in 2007 with the film Om Shanti Om, which was directed by Farah Khan and starred Shah Rukh Khan.
“These are terms that we seem to be discussing now, insider-outsider,” Deepika said. “When I began, it was just a new world. I was a 16-17 year old girl, came from Bangalore, and Farah Khan showed interest in casting me in a movie.”
At the time, Deepika was transitioning between Bangalore and Mumbai and was relatively new to the film world, having built a name for herself as a successful model. She recalled her early interactions with Farah Khan, including a key audition and a memorable meeting.
“She did an audition. I remember doing a meeting with her once. She said, I wanted to meet Shah Rukh once. He was shooting for Chakde in Australia at the time. She said once he’s back, we’ll do a meeting. That was it,” Deepika shared.
According to Deepika, her career in Bollywood began quite naturally. She didn’t overthink her entry into films or view it through the lens of being an outsider breaking into a closed industry. Instead, she focused on the work and let her passion and determination guide her path.
“For me, it just happened because I was a model before that. They’d seen some of my work. But I never felt like I was an outsider trying to make my place in a new industry. I had the dedication, I had the passion, I had the determination, the hard work. Those were the things in my control. And those were the things that I applied to what I was passionate about,” she said.
Her debut in Om Shanti Om turned out to be a massive success, instantly making her a household name across India. The film was not only a box-office hit but also marked the beginning of one of the most successful acting careers in modern Hindi cinema. Deepika’s performance received critical acclaim, and she has since gone on to become one of the most respected and versatile actors in the industry.
Shah Rukh Khan, who co-starred with Deepika in the film and played a pivotal role in her introduction to Bollywood audiences, also participated in the session and shared his own perspective on entering the film industry. Like Deepika, Shah Rukh did not come from a film family and had to carve his own path in the entertainment world.
He spoke candidly about his early days in Mumbai and how he viewed the film industry not as something to infiltrate, but as a place where he naturally belonged.
“Jab main yahan (Mumbai) aaya tha, I never thought ki main outsider hoon iss liye main iss duniya ka hissa nahi ban sakta… I believed this is my world… Mujhe laga yeh duniya meri hai… yeh jagah meri hai,” Shah Rukh said.
This mindset, Shah Rukh implied, played a key role in helping him overcome any potential barriers or insecurities about not having connections within the film industry. His words echoed Deepika’s sentiments about focusing on what is in one’s control — hard work, belief, and determination.
Their joint appearance at the event provided a unique opportunity for fans and industry professionals to hear firsthand how two of the biggest stars in Bollywood navigated the beginning of their careers without industry backing. Both emphasized how their outlook and dedication shaped their journeys, rather than focusing on whether they were insiders or outsiders.
While the insider-outsider debate remains a topic of frequent discussion in Bollywood, especially following controversies in recent years, Deepika and Shah Rukh’s comments offered a refreshing perspective. Rather than blaming or critiquing the system, they highlighted the importance of personal drive and the support of mentors who believed in their potential.
Farah Khan, who played a pivotal role in launching Deepika’s film career, was praised indirectly through Deepika’s words. By showing confidence in a young model with no film experience, Farah not only broke conventional casting norms but also gave Bollywood one of its most beloved leading ladies.
Deepika’s experience stands out in the current climate where many newcomers voice concerns about being sidelined due to lack of connections. Her story reflects that sometimes, the right opportunities combined with hard work and belief in oneself can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
It’s also worth noting that her collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan didn’t end with Om Shanti Om. The two have worked together in several hit films since then, creating a successful on-screen partnership that audiences continue to admire. Their mutual respect and shared beginnings as outsiders-turned-insiders have become a defining part of their journeys in Bollywood.
Their appearance at WAVES 2025 wasn’t just a nostalgic look back at their debut days. It also served as an inspiring moment for aspiring actors and artists who might be uncertain about entering the film industry without backing. By sharing their stories, both Deepika and Shah Rukh reinforced the idea that Bollywood, while competitive and at times insular, can still be a place of opportunity for those who are persistent, passionate, and prepared.
Deepika’s candid reflection and Shah Rukh’s optimistic philosophy both pointed toward a central message: one’s background doesn’t have to dictate one’s future in Bollywood. What truly matters is what you bring to the table — your work ethic, your passion, and your belief that you belong.
Their conversation with Karan Johar at WAVES 2025 added a meaningful chapter to the insider-outsider debate, not by taking sides, but by offering real-life experiences that show how success can emerge from authenticity, effort, and the right guidance.