Shahrukh Khan and Deepika Padukone on Thursday addressed the pervasive “insider-outsider” narrative in Bollywood at the WAVES Summit 2025 in Mumbai, urging young aspirants to focus on their craft and belief in themselves rather than their origins.
Reflecting on his own rise to stardom, he said, “If you start following these petty things, you will never give your full force of energy to make a space for yourself.”
Shahrukh, who rose from humble beginnings in Delhi to become one of the most iconic figures in global cinema, emphasised that it is not about where you come from, but how you make your place in the world. “What’s important is how you are making a place for yourself, whether in films or business,” he added.
This philosophy of self-determination echoed throughout his conversation with filmmaker Karan Johar, where the actor downplayed terms like “hunger” and “ambition,” which often characterise the narratives of success. “I do not believe in lofty words like hunger or ambition. I just worked with sincerity,” Shahrukh remarked, stressing that his true motivation has always been to bring joy and smiles to his audience.
Shahrukh also discussed the future of Indian cinema, advocating for more accessible and affordable theatres to reach wider audiences. “The call of the day is more theatres—simpler and cheaper theatres. Otherwise, we risk losing audiences in big towns,” he remarked, suggesting that the industry needs to adopt models that bring cinema to a global stage.
Joining the issue, Deepika Padukone said she never felt like an outsider, citing her hard work and dedication as the key drivers of her success. “I never felt like an outsider. Dedication and passion were in my control, and I applied them,” she noted, recalling her auditions with Farah Khan and her collaboration with Shahrukh early in her career.
Deepika also shared candid reflections on her journey, balancing personal life with career success. Known for her calm and grounded persona, she revealed that despite her global stardom, she still engages in everyday tasks like managing her home.
“I still do the cleaning, check vegetable stock, and do the laundry. I don’t know any other way,” she said, crediting her upbringing for keeping her connected to the simplicity of life, despite her fame.
Deepika, who recently embraced motherhood with the birth of her daughter Dua, expressed her excitement and challenges in navigating this new chapter of her life. “I am still figuring out what this new life as a mother will be like for me,” she shared, further emphasising the balance she strives for between her career and personal commitments.
She also addressed the challenges of being shy and the difficulty in making friends. “It’s hard for me to make friends and open up. My school friends keep me grounded,” Deepika shared, adding that they played a crucial role in maintaining her connection to her roots.
The WAVES Summit 2025 brought together some of the most influential voices in the entertainment industry, leaving attendees inspired by the stars’ openness and insights into their personal and professional journeys.
