Then and now: Deepika Padukone’s complete style evolution

When she first burst onto the scene in 2007 with Om Shanti Om, then-model Deepika Padukone let her style fall in line with the widely-accepted Bollywood actor stereotype: embellished Indian wear, strong highlights in her hair and dark makeup. Now a global phenomenon cheered on by the crowds at Cannes and the Met Gala, Deepika Padukone’s style has elevated to an iconic stature. Scroll ahead as we chronicle her style trajectory.

Deepika Padukone's film journey

From rom-coms to period dramas, Deepika Padukone has several notable films to her credit. Most might not be aware, but she made her acting debut in 2006 as the title character of the Kannada film Aishwarya. She only marked her foray in Hindi film industry the subsequent year with Om Shanti Om, starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan, which not only won her critical acclaim but also a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut. On the heels of this successful mark was her role of Gayatri, a feisty student in Australia who moonlights as a cab driver in Yash Raj Films' romantic comedy Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008). Panning the next few years were films like Chandni Chowk To China (2009), Love Aaj Kal (2009), Karthik Calling Karthik (2010), Housefull (2010), Lafangey Parindey (2010), Break Ke Baad (2010) and Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010), Aarakshan (2011) and Desi Boyz (2011).

Instrumental in crafting her identity as a style maven was her role as the party hopping Veronica Malaney from Cocktail (2012). The year 2013 found further success when all four of her films were box office hits including Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Race 2 and Chennai Express. She also went on to win the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for playing a character based on Juliet in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.

Movie Bajirao Mastani (2015) reinstated the actor’s ability to transform into characters from an era past. Equally adept in taking on contemporary drama, Padukone is known for films like Tamasha (2015) and Piku (2015). Her role as Serena Unger opposite Vin Diesel in xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017) that cemented Padukone as an international sensation.

In 2018, she marked her third collaboration with Sanjay Leela Bhansali when Padukone portrayed Rani Padmavati, a Rajput queen who commits jauhar, in the period drama Padmaavat for which she received a Filmfare nomination. She’s currently working on a biopic Chhapaak, where she’s essaying the role of as an acid attack survivor (based on Laxmi Agarwal's true story) that is scheduled to release in January 2020.

A peek inside Deepika Padukone's closet

The 33-year-old’s early days in the industry saw her favouring ornate designer pieces. Take her red velvet lehenga worn at Om Shanti Om’s London premiere in 2007 for example. The next few years saw her following suit, with outfits such as the blush pink Tarun Tahiliani creation layered with a fur jacket, or the silver sari with blingy green velvet blouse. Her ethnic reign continued in 2010. She picked a red and pink sari for the 2010 Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey premiere. The highlight of the year, however, was her debut to the Cannes Film Festival, where she chose an ivory Rohit Bal sari.

It was in 2011 that the star really came into her own and started picking sharp silhouettes that were of the moment. It started with a one-shoulder dress by Cue, followed by a white sparkly column gown at an awards night in Mumbai. She looked statuesque in her Gauri & Nainika gown, which she wore to choreographer Ganesh Hegde’s birthday bash the same year.

Come Cocktail release in 2012, Padukone, who was being lauded for her acting, also came into the spotlight for her red-carper-ready couture. But what’s note-worthy is the fact that the star has invariable strived to translate the vibe of the character through her sartorial choices. Like her uber-glam character Veronica was essayed through her promotional attires or at other events. A bookend-worthy garment is the bold red lace Gaurav Gupta gown at GQ Men of The Year Awards. Deepika Padukone also walked the red carpet back in a party-ready black and gold sequinned gown by Dolce & Gabanna for Vogue India's Women Of The Year awards that we are still swooning over.

The next year 2013 has been the busiest for the star till date. Padukone spent 2013 shooting and promoting four films without a hair (or red carpet look) out of place. The star was spotted in everything from a lace Dolce & Gabbana number to a Anamika Khanna sari and that barely-there Gaurav Gupta gown. The Bollywood actor also discovered the magic of New York-based designer Naeem Khan, repeatedly choosing evening looks from his runway shows like the ivory gown with a plunging neckline. While she sported couture pieces invariably, she also didn’t shy away from favouring young debutante designers like Arpita Mehta.

By 2014 and 2015, the actor played it down dramatically by acing how to balance her looks. Her black Alexander McQueen gown definitely needs a mention, as does her white Monisha Jaising piece. Partial to the work of designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Padukone presented several looks by the couturier too. While monochrome seemed to be her go-to choice of palette, she also gave a nod to several quirky prints.

In 2016 we saw Padukone's love for athliesure. Whenever the star wasn't attending award ceremonies, she favoured sportswear basics like leggings and bombers from airports to shoots. The red Ralph & Russo number worn by the star at the 2016 Filmfare Awards was one of the best received looks seen on the star, as was her Balmain short dress.

2017 has been one of the best years, sartorially speaking, for the actor. From her pristine white Tommy Hilfiger gown at the Met Ball to the plum tulle Marchesa number, Padukone's been on the global style watch. The actor also understood the importance of skilful layering. At the airports, she was seen topping her travel outfits with light jackets, like that acid-wash denim number or an oversized longline pick.

In 2018, fans spotted Padukone showcasing her love for handloom saris. Whether it was a classic Benarasi weave or a traditional Kanjeevaram, the actor often championed handlooms for festive occasions like weddings, and even for red carpet events. The same year the star tied the knot with long-time beau Ranveer Singh, serving a wide spectrum of bridal outfits that would go on to become iconic looks pinned by brides everywhere. While Sabyasachi was the couturier behind her Sindhi wedding ceremony and a post-wedding party attires, she also looked to a red Zuhair Murad gown for the reception and two saris.

2018 extending to 2019 saw Padukone embrace her bold side with larger than life silhouettes and new-age highlighter hues. The star had no qualms about wearing the blinding neon green colour head-to-toe with a Giambattista Valli tulle gown for Cannes 2019 or the bright lilac at IIFA. Her Zac Posen pink outfit for the MET Gala was a show-stopper too. Vibrant shades also made its way to her travel looks. She sported a neon Off-White tracksuit or the all-yellow set at the airport recently. More recently, a hand painted Sabyasachi sari won her vote.

Ever since her foray, Padukone was never one to make a style faux pass but there's a certain identity the star has found for herself balancing athleisure style with all out glamour. Go through our gallery to have a complete look at Deepika Padukone's style evolution.