Deepika Padukone only Indian actor to feature in International Women's Impact report alongside Gal Gadot, JK Rowling
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; March 9, 2018)

The bravado she displayed when threats to her life were made on national channels amidst the Padmaavat furore did not go unnoticed, as Deepika Padukone has found herself a spot on American publication Variety's International Women's Impact list.

Talking about the achievements of the actor, who features alongside the likes of Lupita Nyong'o, JK Rowling, Nicole Kidman, Salma Hayek and Gal Gadot, among others, the publication noted that Padukone "faced death threats and verbal abuse from various fringe groups with poise and elan". Placing her on the 33rd spot, the magazine celebrated her "leap" from Bollywood to Hollywood with XXX: Return Of Xander Cage, apart from acknowledging her philanthropic work.

Talking about the honour bestowed on her, her spokesperson says, "Deepika is the only Indian actor on the list, also including other women achievers across the world. It's an honour to be featured with such strong personalities, and an acknowledgment of their contribution to society." Producer Guneet Monga is the only other Indian on the list.