Deepika becomes the new Number One

It's official. Deepika Padukone is the new Number One. Over the past one year, she has been inching her way to the top. She delivered hits like Cocktail and Race 2 (she made an impact even in Desi Boyz and Housefull). And now she had delivered a monster hit: Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani.

In her last few films, Deepika's performances have been appreciated. The improvement is huge. Also, her selection of films has been interesting. She has managed to act in two off-beat films (Karthik Calling Karthik and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey) at the same time she was doing hardcore masala films, a fine balancing act that.

Sonam Kapoor, whose debut film released on the same day as Deepika's, has had nine releases so far while Dips' has had 16! Almost twice the number. While the number of films is hardly a benchmark, what is impressive is how this Bengaluru girl has managed to cross the age barrier. She is considered for a film with Salman Khan (Kick) and grabs SRK's Chennai Express while successfully pairing with younger heroes like Ranbir Kapoor and Imran Khan. She has worked with reputed filmmakers like Imtiaz Ali, Prakash Jha, Priyadarshan and Ashutosh Gowariker etc.

But she didn't do it all on her own. She had some help from the actresses in the ruling position. Kareena got married last year, quickly graduating out of the rat race, like Kajol. Meanwhile, Katrina's last release (Jab Tak Hai Jaan) was a two-heroine film. She has films like Dhoom 3 and Bang Bang, which are no different from the ones she has been doing so far. She is intelligent enough to know it's time to leave those roles to younger actresses, and is turning producer next year. Which is perfect for Ms Padukone. If you need more argument why Deepika is in an enviable position today, read on...

The replacement theory: Katrina and Kareena who have been hogging the No 1 position for the longest time are now in their 30s. Fact: Bollywood retires actresses on the wrong side of 29. Deepika, in her 20s, is a younger option.

There has been a vacancy for the next-best-thing since last year. Dippy has nudged her way there. Kat was Akshay Kumar's lucky mascot and then Deepika did Chandni Chowk to China, Housefull 2 and Desi Boyz. Kareena may have the Khan surname but Deepika has Saif on-screen (Love Aaj Kal, Cocktail and Race 2).

The Ranbir factor: Ranbir Kapoor is the best thing to have happened to Bollywood in the last decade. Every production house and every filmmaker wants to work with RK. Fortunately for Deepika, the audiences love to see them together onscreen, so she will always be the first default choice. Ranbir is destined for big things, and Dips' filmi destiny is tied to him. the bigger he gets, the bigger she gets. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is just the first step.

Hattrick time: What a year for Deepika. Three of the films that Katrina Kaif turned down — Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and Ram Leela — came to Dips. YJHD has the rare distinction of being the only romance film to cross the Rs100-crore mark. And now she has two more films — Chennai Express and Ram Leela — which are big on romance lined up for release in 2013.

Those still in denial about her position now, will be lining up to herald her at the new queen by the end of the year.

Experts speak
Karan Johar, filmmaker : Deepika has emerged as a solid actor. Her growth has been incredible and she is truly at the top of her game. And I am sure her career will grow from strength to strength because her choices are clever and tilting towards establishing her as a star and an actor. I am a firm non-believer of the numbering process because a true talent overrides ranking and Deepika is a tremendous talent.

Homi Adjania, filmmaker : Deepika's dedication is inspiring. She's highly committed to her craft, relentless in her effort and ferociously driven. She values loyalty, balances the hardships with poise and truly deserves her success. The only thing she should be celebrating right now, right here, is herself!"

Komal Nahata, trade analyst : Deepika is definitely in the No.1 bracket now. She is there along with Katrina and Kareena. Among the younger lot of actresses, Deepika has no competitor. She has reached this position because of her recent BO successes and fantastic line-up of films ahead. Though they are doing fewer films now, Katrina and Kareena are still in the number game.

Deepika is very focused, and signed her films very intelligently with some good co-stars, banners and directors. It also helps that Deepika and Ranbir make a great pair and look good together on screen! Ranbir is undoubtedly today in the superstar bracket and it will help her career more when they do more films together. They make such a wonderful couple onscreen.