Deepika Padukone Shines on Vogue India's November/December 2023 Cover by James Tolich

Bollywood luminary Deepika Padukone, the first Indian ambassador for Louis Vuitton, graces the cover of Vogue India's November/December 2023 issue, exuding pure joy. Captured by photographer James Tolich, Padukone stuns in a Louis Vuitton gown adorned with Cartier jewelry, showcasing her impeccable style.

Inside the magazine, styled by Megha Kapoor, Vogue India's head of editorial content, Padukone dons avant-garde ensembles from Loewe, Schiaparelli, and Coperni. Yianni Tsapatori masterfully crafts her hair to enhance her look, while Sandhya Shekar's makeup artistry adds to her natural allure, with production expertly handled by Kitten Production.

In a candid conversation at her Mumbai residence, Padukone opens up to Megha Kapoor about her journey, reflections on fame, and her unwavering connection to her roots.

At 37, Padukone is diligently preparing for her upcoming film "Fighter." Reflecting on her journey, she shares, "It’s been a year and a half of gratitude. So much has happened since we met. In many ways, that was the beginning of this new global journey that I have embarked on."

From her roles as an ambassador for Louis Vuitton and Cartier to unveiling the FIFA World Cup trophy and gracing the cover of TIME magazine, Padukone has garnered global recognition. Despite her international acclaim, she remains grounded and deeply connected to her Indian heritage. Asserting the strength of India, she remarks, "India has always been here; it’s just taken the world so long to sit up and notice our power. We’ve remained authentic to who we are."

Choosing to stay in India despite global opportunities speaks volumes about her commitment to her homeland. She questions, "Why do I have to move with bag and baggage to make a global impact?" underscoring her belief in creating a global impact while staying true to her roots.

Padukone's journey, marked by challenges as an outsider in the film industry, reflects her resilience. Recalling her early days, she states, "I had no choice. If you were an outsider 15 or 20 years ago, you had no choice. It’s an uphill battle for anyone trying to make a name for themselves in a field or profession that their parents didn’t come from."

Her strong work ethic, influenced by her background as a former national-level badminton player, brings an athlete's spirit to her craft. While admitting to being a workaholic, Padukone emphasizes finding a balance, especially considering her public advocacy for mental health.