Deepika Padukone, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated actresses and a prominent global ambassador for Indian cinema, has never been shy to voice her opinions on important platforms. Recently, she made headlines for her candid remarks about the Oscars, during a video she shared as she prepared for the Louis Vuitton show in Paris. In her candid moment, she expressed her feelings about the Academy Awards, claiming that India has been snubbed time and again, with many deserving films and talents overlooked. This isn’t the first time Padukone has shared such sentiments; her passion for Indian cinema and its recognition on international stages is evident.
Reflecting on her recent experiences, Padukone emphasized her emotional connection to the song "Naatu Naatu" from the film RRR, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2023. While sharing the video on March 23, 2025, she noted, “India has been robbed of the Oscars many times. Many, many deserving movies I feel like have got snubbed. Whether it’s movies, whether it’s talent.” For Padukone, witnessing RRR’s recognition was deeply personal, stating, “I remember being in the audience and when they announced RRR, I got emotional. Outside of being an Indian, I had really nothing to do with that movie but that was a huge, huge moment. That felt very, very personal.”
Despite its acclaim and the success of the song, Padukone pointed out that numerous other Indian films like Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, Kiran Rao’s Laapataa Ladies, Rahi Anil Barve’s Tumbbad, and Ritesh Batra’s The Lunchbox never received nominations, despite their critical recognition and popularity.
Deepika’s remarks were made as she was getting ready for the prestigious Louis Vuitton fashion show held in the Cour Carrée du Louvre, Paris. This event highlights her prominence as a global fashion icon; she has reportedly become the first Indian to be a global ambassador for luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Cartier. Through these avenues, Padukone has successfully taken Indian representation to the international arena, integrating her cinematic achievements with her influence in the fashion world.
In addition to her contributions to fashion, the actress is also a dedicated mother to her daughter Dua, whom she shares with husband Ranveer Singh. Balancing her responsibilities as a mother with her rising career, she is working on her beauty brand 82°E and anticipated film projects, including sequels in the franchises of Singham Again and Kalki 2898 AD. However, details about her next ventures have yet to be announced, indicating a period of reflection and planning for the actress.
Furthermore, Padukone’s presentation of the performance of “Naatu Naatu” showcased her pivotal role in promoting Indian music and cinema on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms. Her enthusiastic introduction of the song at the 2023 Academy Awards, describing it as a global sensation with millions of views on platforms like YouTube and TikTok, resonated with audiences all around the world. "It plays during a pivotal scene in ‘RRR’, a movie about the friendship between real-life Indian revolutionaries Alluri Sitarama Raju and Komaram Bheem. In addition to being sung in Telugu and illustrating the film’s anti-colonialist themes, it’s also a total banger!"
Despite the accolades and the recognition for certain films, Padukone’s disappointment over the snubbing of numerous deserving artists and films reveals ongoing challenges for Indian cinema in the global arena. Her unfiltered comments about the Oscars echo larger conversations about diversity and representation in Hollywood and the film industry. Padukone’s opinion is not unique, but it certainly adds a vital voice to the dialogues around inclusivity and recognition at major award shows.
As the film industry and audiences continue to discuss these issues, it is clear that Padukone remains a prominent figure advocating for the rich storytelling and cultural diversity that Indian cinema has to offer. As the landscape slowly transforms, the hopes of filmmakers, actors, and fans alike may one day find their international efforts acknowledged by the Academy.
In an era when global representation matters more than ever, Deepika Padukone continues to be at the forefront of catalyzing discussions about recognition and artistry. Her sentiment that "India has been robbed of the Oscars many times" encapsulates the shared feelings of many in the Indian film industry who are yearning for a more inclusive recognition system at global levels. Ultimately, her journey as an actress, a mother, and a global ambassador serves not just to uplift her personal brand, but to bring the entire landscape of Indian cinema into the limelight.
