Recently, during an interview around the idea of global Indian identity and India’s growing global presence, Deepika was asked what this shift means to her personally and professionally. Her response reflected both pride and perspective, emphasising authenticity, cultural confidence and the importance of being seen on the world stage as who we truly are.

She said, “For the longest time, we as Indians have been so influenced by the rest of the world. I always questioned that. Why are we copying what’s happening elsewhere instead of leading? And as a talent, I never understood why we have to change who we are to fit someone else’s sensibility. If certain cinemas and talent from other parts of the world are accepted globally, why do we need to dilute ourselves? I see that as a lack of knowledge on the other side, not something wrong with us.”

Praising Ananya Panday and Alia Bhatt for their global brand deals, the actress continued, “For me, ‘global Indian’ is about being proud of who we are, not apologising for it, and taking that to the world. When Louis Vuitton put up those hoardings in LA with my campaign, I didn’t feel it was my personal victory. I felt we were finally being seen. And now, when I see Alia Bhatt with Gucci, Ananya Panday with Chanel, all these girls with global brands, it feels like we’ve arrived collectively. I feel proud of us, not just for me.”

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