On a side note, I loved how someone mentioned in comments that Devdas is Ash film. Finally. Yes, srk hammed in it and Madhuri didn’t fit in that fort.

I have a perception, method actors work well under SLB, maybe I’m wrong. But the examples of Madhuri, Deepika, Ranbir not being able to give their best under him makes me think so. On the other side we have Ranveer, Ash, PC who are more expressive actors and depend on acting techniques. (Not intending as offense, just observation. I have respect for both styles of acting).

By the way it’s really unfair when you discredit a woman who has given success after success for last four years continuously. You obviously know what Deepika brings on table, be it opposite superstars or great actors, is not on the same range as a Katrina or Kareena or Anushka. Be it star value wise or talent wise.

And as for films Deepika carried on shoulder, there’s Piku – the film is hers totally despite having two legends opposite her. Also Chennai Express where we went in expecting an Srk film and came out as Meenamma fan. Also Finding Fanny was her responsibility that faltered, I concede.

Then there’s HNY, the film which still has the biggest opener record, which even Bahubali couldn’t break. It was bz of two superstars coming together after a smashing hit in CE. If you can credit it as Srk success, then so is it for Deepika. Just like how Varun recently said, HSKD, BKD etc are Alia’s hits as much as it is his. It’s a two way road.

Also Cocktail was shouldered by her alone once it released. Yes she wasn’t a big star back then, but once the reviews started pouring in, we went in expecting a Deepika show and it was. Then there’s Ramleela which released as Deepika Padukone film with her new lover (that’s how it was talked about in South where Rs was not popular).

There’s YJHD which was shouldered by the break up couple equally. It was Deepika’s responsibility and success as much as it was Ranbir’s tho he was a bigger star than her with commercial success.

Bajirao Mastani got hyped bz of the trio of Slb – Dp – Rs coming together after Ramleela success. It was shouldered by all three equally. Plus let’s not forget Deepika and Priyanka was paid more than the lead actor in that film. Rs was surely rising but Dp and PC were established superstars.

Padmavati also was marketed by her name. But more than the marketing and what was in the film, I’d say the film was LITERALLY carried by her b.s. of how she dealt with the controversy. There are two A list actors, a great director, Ambani as producers but she literally carried the weight of the film during its trying times. For that alone I’d say she carried Padmavati. Also let’s not forget she brought in five crore worth jewellery deal into the film. How her brand value increased after Padmavati with Jio etc. I mean if businessmen really thought she couldn’t carry a film alone or she’s feeding off others, will they give her access to heights?

Of all the films she held responsibility, I feel Finding Fanny and Xxx in India failed at Bo. Though there are reasons for the failure, just like she has right to the success of a film, she has responsibility for the failure of these two films. Tell that and I.’ll accept. Not if you discredit a woman of her decade long career’s hard work.