Deepika Padukone and The Academy have shared several memorable moments over the years and the connection has gone beyond just one Oscars appearance.
From The Academy revisiting some of her most iconic work to Deepika herself taking centre stage at the Oscars, her association with the institution has taken different forms. Most recently, the Academy brought back Naina Talwar from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, giving fans another reason to revisit one of Deepika’s most loved characters.Here’s a look at the moments that have made this association special.
1. Naina Returns — The Academy Brings Back Deepika’s Beloved Character
More than a decade after Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani released, Deepika Padukone’s Naina Talwar found herself back in the spotlight, this time on The Academy’s official Instagram page.
The Academy shared a scene from Ayan Mukerji’s 2013 film featuring Naina and Bunny, played by Ranbir Kapoor. The scene centres on Naina’s reminder to Bunny to stop worrying about what comes next and appreciate the moment in front of him.
It was a fitting choice for a character that has remained deeply loved by audiences years after the film’s release. Naina’s journey from a shy, reserved girl to someone who learns to embrace life is one of the reasons the character continues to resonate.
1. When The Academy Fell For ‘Deewani Mastani’
The Academy turned its attention to one of Deepika’s most unforgettable screen performances — Deewani Mastani from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani.
The Academy shared a clip of Deepika performing the song on its official Instagram account. The moment quickly became a celebration for fans of the film and Deepika’s performance.
Almost a decade after Bajirao Mastani arrived in theatres, one of its most iconic performances was being revisited by the institution behind the Oscars.
2. Deepika Takes Centre Stage at the Oscars
Before The Academy’s social-media tributes, Deepika had already stood on its biggest stage. At the 95th Academy Awards, she was announced as one of the presenters and introduced the performance of “Naatu Naatu” from RRR. The song subsequently won the Oscar for Best Original Song.
For Deepika, the moment became one of the most significant global milestones, representing Indian cinema on one of the world’s biggest film stages.
3. From the Oscars Stage to the Academy Museum Gala- First Indian Actor
Deepika attended the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, becoming the first Indian actor reported to have been invited to the event.
The gala brought together some of the biggest names from international cinema and entertainment marking another major appearance at an event connected to the Academy. What makes Deepika Padukone’s association with The Academy interesting is that it has never been limited to a single appearance.
From Mastani to Naina, from an iconic performance to an iconic character, and from the Instagram page to the Oscars stage, Deepika’s journey with The Academy has certainly given fans several memorable moments to look back on.
4. Two Big Releases on the Way
Deepika Padukone has two major films lined up — King with Shah Rukh Khan and Raaka with Allu Arjun. Both projects are among her most awaited upcoming releases, bringing together some of the biggest names in Indian cinema.
