Deepika Padukone’s career-reviving movie shattered records and ended a run of failures, but Priyanka and Ranbir refused it
Deepika Padukone made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with Om Shanti Om, starring Shah Rukh Khan. The actor found her ideal starting point when she portrayed Shantipriya in Farah Khan’s brilliant film. However, Deepika had trouble finding a hit in the next years. Deepika featured in major movie office failures, such as Chandni Chowk to China (2009), Karthik Calling Karthik (2010), Break Ke Baad (2010), and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010), with the exception of Love Aaj Kal (2009) and Housefull (2010). Even though Lafangey Parindey (2010) had a lower than average box office performance, it didn’t boost her career. Big celebs rejected the film that was Deepika’s attempt at a superhit.
Deepika’s lackluster run at the box office was broken by the movie that was…
Cocktail, the Diana Penty and Saif Ali Khan film directed by Homi Adajania, turned out to be Deepika’s professional breakthrough. Deepika portrays Veronica Melaney in the romantic comedy, a carefree, free-spirited girl who is secretly sentimental about her pals. Veronica turns into a helpful character by serving as a mediator between Gautam Kapoor (Saif) and Meera Saini (Diana). Cocktail, which debuted in theaters on July 13, 2012, had a fantastic 75–80% average multiplex opening and a massive 100% opening at numerous multiplexes in North India. With a reported budget of Rs 35 crores, the film made Rs 125 crores, making it one of the highest-grossing movies of 2012. Aside from the movie’s hit songs and unique perspective on relationships and love, Deepika’s portrayal of Veronica turned into a standout moment.
The first person to get a cocktail was…
According to media sources, Priyanka Chopra was given consideration for Cocktail instead of Deepika Padukone. Nevertheless, Deepika took Priyanka’s place when she turned down the movie for creative concerns. Another media story claims that Saif was approached to produce the movie after Imran Khan and Ranbir Kapoor rejected the screenplay. Saif then agreed to work on the project.
How Deepika’s destiny was altered by Imtiaz Ali’s proposal
Both Meera and Veronica were presented to Deepika. Deepika believed she would be an ideal Meera. But Deepika received a call from the movie’s writer, Imitaz Ali, asking her to read Veronica. Deepika reluctantly consented to portray Veronica after Imtiaz demanded that she perform the role.
Deepika Padukone enjoying a drink
When Cocktail became nine years old in 2022, Deepika said in an interview that Veronica had a personal and professional influence on her. “I’ve always felt that you carry a piece of each character you play with you forever, even though you put a little bit of yourself into each one,” she said. Consequently, Veronica will always rank among the most memorable roles I’ve ever had; she had a profound emotional and professional influence on me.” Deepika’s most recent film appearance was in Fighter.
