Deepika Padukone was casted in Om Shanti Om WITHOUT Audition? Check what she has to say

Deepika Padukone, who debuted in Hindi cinema with the 2007 film "Om Shanti Om" directed by Farah Khan and co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, recently discussed the 'insider-outsider' debate at the WAVES 2025 Summit.

During the Waves Summit 2025, Deepika Padukone, shared her thoughts on the insider-outsider discussion within the film industry. She reflected on her career path, from her beginnings in Bangalore to achieving widespread recognition in Indian cinema. In a discussion with Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Karan Johar, Deepika offered her perspective with sincerity and personal depth.

Regarding the topic of nepotism, she observed that the terms "insider" and "outsider" are more frequently discussed now compared to when she began her career.

These are terms that we seem to be discussing now… insider or outsider… When I began, it was just a new world. I was a seventeen-year-old girl who came from Bangalore

- Deepika Padukone

Regarding the topic of nepotism, she observed that the terms "insider" and "outsider" are more frequently discussed now compared to when she began her career. Sharing her own experience, she said, “These are terms that we seem to be discussing now… insider or outsider… When I began, it was just a new world. I was a seventeen-year-old girl who came from Bangalore.”

Deepika discussed her debut in the Kannada film "Aishwarya" and the unplanned start of her Bollywood career. She mentioned that Farah Khan had expressed interest in casting her without an audition. “Farah Khan showed interest in casting me in a movie. I was transitioning between Bangalore and Mumbai. She did not even audition me. I remember doing a meeting with her once, and she said, ‘I want you to meet Shah Rukh once.’ He was shooting for Chak De! in Australia at that time. She said we’d do a meeting once he was back. That was it. For me, it just happened,” Deepika said.

She also acknowledged that her modeling experience had provided initial opportunities, but stressed that her dedication and enthusiasm were key to her success. “Of course, I was a model before that. They had seen some of my work. But I never felt that I was an outsider trying to make my place in a new industry. I had the dedication, passion, determination, and hard work. Those were the things that were in my control. Those were the things that had applied to what I was passionate about.”

Shah Rukh Khan contributed to the discussion by stating that he didn't think the insider-outsider distinction should be overly emphasized. He believed that a person's origins are less significant than their ability to establish themselves in the industry.

Referring to his own experiences, Shah Rukh shared that he never considered himself an outsider, always feeling like he belonged in the industry. He highlighted that dwelling on the outsider label can be a hindrance, as success is determined by effort and perseverance, not background.