Deepika Padukone, born on 5 January 1986 in Copenhagen, Denmark, is an Indian model and actress. She is the daughter of former badminton champion Prakash Padukone and speaks Konkani as her mother tongue. Deepika has a younger sister named Anisha.

She gained recognition through modeling in print and television ads for brands like Liril, Close-Up toothpaste, and Limca. Deepika received prestigious offers, becoming the brand ambassador for Jewels of India, an annual jewelry exhibition. Her international breakthrough came when Maybelline chose her as their new international cover girl.

At the fifth annual Kingfisher Fashion Awards for Indian models and designers, she was honored as Model of the Year. Subsequently, she featured in the 2006 Kingfisher Swimsuit Calendar, solidifying her status as a supermodel.