Deepika’s First Love Was Always the Camera
Prakash Padukone, the legendary badminton champion, has finally revealed why he never forced his daughter Deepika to follow in his footsteps on the court. In a candid chat, the proud father shared how he and his wife always knew that Deepika’s heart belonged elsewhere—in front of the camera.
“Sports was her second love. Her first love was always being in front of the camera,” Prakash said, recalling Deepika’s teenage years. He revealed that even though she played badminton actively, by the time she hit Class 10, she had already made up her mind. “She told us she wanted to pursue modelling and films. Nobody in our family was connected to that world, but we had seen her passion.”
The signs, he says, were there from childhood. Deepika had done modelling assignments, ads, ballet, and ramp walks as a kid. “We knew she was deeply interested in that space and willing to put in the effort,” he added. So when the opportunities started knocking, the Padukones didn’t block the door—they simply asked her to finish school first. And the rest, as they say, is Bollywood history.
The Parenting Mantra: Observe, Don’t Impose
Prakash, who also has a younger daughter Anisha (now a professional golfer), shared the core philosophy that guided him and his wife while raising both girls. According to him, parents need to understand the difference between a child’s casual interest and genuine passion before making any big decisions.
“There is a difference between liking something and being passionate about it,” he explained. “If a child is truly passionate, they are willing to do anything for it—whether it is music, sports, or any other field. They will spend long hours, wake up early, stay up late, and dedicate themselves completely over a sustained period. That’s when you know the passion is genuine.”
His advice to modern parents? Listen more and trust your children more. “Children today are exposed to much more information than our generation ever was. In many ways, they know more than we do about emerging careers and opportunities.” While parents can guide, Prakash believes the final call should rest with the child. “If you see that level of commitment, give them the opportunity, even if it’s unconventional. There’s always a possibility they could succeed at the highest level globally.”
‘Stand on Your Own Feet’ – Same Advice for Both Daughters
When Deepika decided to enter films, Prakash gave her the same advice his father had given him. “I told her, ‘I know nothing about films and modelling, so I cannot help you professionally. But I know you are passionate about it.'” He made it clear that she would have to build her career on her own—with parents cheering from the sidelines.
“As parents, we would always be there in the background to support her, but when it came to her profession, she had to stand on her own feet. If it worked, great. If it didn’t, at least she would know she had given it her best shot.”
The same approach applied to Anisha, who chose golf. “Yes, exactly the same. Anisha was more interested in golf. She played sports seriously and later decided she wanted to pursue it professionally. We told her the same thing: go ahead and do it, but take responsibility for your own journey.”
Looking back, Prakash is proud that both daughters have the satisfaction of pursuing what they genuinely loved. “Deepika achieved success in films, while Anisha represented India in golf. There are no regrets from either side.” Now that’s some solid parenting, yaar—no pressure, just pure support.