The point is, Deepika is still the most popular actress in India and that is an undisputed fact, no matter what haters and trollers say. She has an active fan base, millions of followers, and crazen fans who are actually "invested" in every move she makes. She really need not worry on the popularity/star power aspect.
But here is where I feel she needs to step up her game - acting! She needs to compete with the likes of Kangana who are unanimously hailed for their talent. No-one ever says Kangana is a medicore actress, and as a fan, i want Deepika to reach that level. That's why i said earlier, Chapaak will be a real test for her abilities - both to carry a film on her own shoulders and secondly, to perform a role which is about an acid-attack survivor- the pathos, pain and physical transformation - all of that!
Deepika has no other competition in acting. Alia is a one-note actress with similar mannerisms in all roles, IMO. Anushka is mediocre, Katrina and Shraddha are bad actresses, and Kareena tends to over-act. I think Parineeti and Sonakshi are talented, but they are not in the top league of actresses. So it is important for Deepika to start imbibing Kangana's meticulous ability of steeping herself in the character's world. I feel she can do it. Any takers???
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