Deepika Padukone is no stranger to success. She is among India’s highest paid actresses with many firsts to her credit — she has launched a clothes line and cosmetics range, and is the face of foreign franchises such as Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Levis and Adidas. She is also an investor in e-mobility firm BluSmart, edtech platform FrontRow and beauty commerce venture Purplle. The 37-year-old daughter of badminton champion Prakash Padukone forayed into fashion and modelling and later showbiz with a role in her first movie back in 2006. While stardom wasn’t instantaneous, Padukone cut a contrasting figure with her lean athletic persona and the girl-next-door appeal. From roles in Hollywood movies to starring in Bollywood blockbusters, Padukone’s versatility enables her participation in a wide range of cinematic endeavours. Her list of blockbusters includes Pathaan, Padmaavat, Chennai Express, Om Shanti Om, Piku, and Bajirao Mastani, to name a few. Her Live Love Laugh Foundation promotes awareness and offers support to those suffering from mental health issues. — Pavan Lall