7 Unknown facts about Deepika

Deepika Padukone keeps her private life, private and that's why there's a whole lot that we bet you didn't know about her. Here are 7 Facts We Bet You Didn't Know About Deepika Padukone:

1. She was not the first choice for Chennai Express

Rohit Shetty originally wanted Kareena Kapoor to do the role, but she couldn't because of her schedule and Deepika stepped in. We aren't sure how much more or less annoying that would have made the character.

2. Himesh Reshammiya gave Deepika her first break

Shocked? Well, we are too! Before her Bollywood debut, Deepika Padukone starred in a Himesh Reshammiya music video titled, 'Naam Hai Tera'. It was in this video that Farah Khan noticed our leggy beauty.

3. Learned dance from Shiamak Davar and acting from Anupam Kher

Deepika owes her killer dancing skills to the maestro Shiamak Davar and her acting prowess to Anupam Kher.

4. She's big on giving back to the community

This actress isn't just about the fame and glamour, she has adopted the village of Ambegaon in Maharashtra, to help them with their water and electricity needs. She is also closely involved with her father's organization, Olympic Gold Quest which works towards the betterment of Indian atheletes.

5. Om Shanti Om was not supposed to be her first Hindi film

Farah Khan had originally signed Deepika for Happy New Year but the movie got shelved so she signed her on for Om Shanti Om. From what we can tell, things worked out better for Deepika this way.

6. She played Badminton on the national level

Like her father, Prakash Padukone, Deepika has also been a proficient badminton player. She has even played state level baseball.

7. Her first hit wasn't Om Shanti Om, it was Lyril!

Before she became a Kingfisher cover girl, Deepika Padukone's first hit was her ummm...colourful ad for Lyril Orange. Post 2005, Deepika found her stride in the modelling industry. International fashion designer Wendell Rodricks once commented on Deepika's beauty saying, "Since Aishwarya Rai, we haven't had a girl as beautiful and fresh."