Deepika Padukone has been crowned the most popular Indian female actor of the last decade in IMDb’s comprehensive “25 Years of Indian Cinema (2000-2025)” report, released on September 30, 2025. The analysis, based on over 9.1 million user ratings for the top five films each year from 2000 to August 2025, highlights Padukone’s dominance with 10 entries in the 130 most popular titles—ranking her fourth overall and first among women. This accolade comes amid her high-profile exits from projects like Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD sequel, where she prioritized personal boundaries. From Mumbai’s film sets to global festivals, Padukone’s journey—marked by authenticity and resilience—continues to redefine stardom in India’s ₹101 billion entertainment industry.
A Decade of Unmatched Popularity
Padukone’s lead in the “Most Viewed Indian Stars of the Last Decade” list, derived from IMDb’s weekly rankings (January 2014–April 2024), underscores her global appeal. Ahead of Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Hrithik Roshan (each with 11 films in the top 130), her 10-film density outshines contemporaries like Ajay Devgn (7) and Amitabh Bachchan (6). Hits like Pathaan (2023), Jawan (2023), and Bajirao Mastani (2015) propelled her to the top, reflecting 250 million monthly IMDb visitors’ preferences. “Deepika’s consistency in blockbuster hits is unmatched,” noted IMDb’s report, crediting her for bridging Bollywood and Hollywood. This milestone arrives post her Kalki 2898 AD (2024) success, where she played Sumathi, earning international acclaim.
Challenging Norms: Padukone’s Unapologetic Path
Padukone’s triumph feels like a subtle riposte to recent controversies. Reports of her exiting Spirit (due to scheduling clashes with Prabhas) and Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 (citing higher commitment demands) sparked debates on work-life balance for women in cinema. In a statement, she addressed this: “I was never afraid to ask questions or challenge the status quo. The faith from my family, fans, and collaborators empowered me to make choices that hopefully alter paths for those after me.” She added, “IMDb’s report validates that honesty, authenticity, and resilience matter—change is possible by staying true to your beliefs.” At 39, Padukone, mother to daughter Dua with Ranveer Singh, has prioritized shorter shoots and family, a stance that resonates amid Bollywood’s demanding schedules.
Human Impact: Inspiring a New Generation
For Padukone, the ranking is more than stats—it’s validation of her journey from Om Shanti Om (2007) debut to global icon. “It strengthens my belief in consistency,” she said, reflecting on roles in Padmaavat and Piku that challenged stereotypes. Fans on X celebrated, trending #DeepikaIMDbQueen with 500,000 posts: “From South to superstar—Deepika’s the real GOAT!” In India’s diverse 780-language landscape, her success empowers women navigating career-family tensions, proving authenticity trumps conformity. Amid exits from high-profile films, her top spot signals resilience, inspiring Gen Z actresses like Suhana Khan.
A Legacy of Bold Choices
Deepika Padukone’s IMDb triumph isn’t just a list—it’s a manifesto of self-belief. As she eyes projects like AA22xA6, it asks: Can one woman’s choices redefine Bollywood? Her answer, etched in 10 timeless hits, is a resounding yes—proving popularity stems from purpose.
-By Manoj H