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.

Soumya Vajpayee Tiwari (MID-DAY; June 16, 2017)

Actor-comedian Vir Das has touched new heights of popularity in the global stand-up circuit since his Netflix special, Abroad Understanding, was launched. Now, he has added another feather in his cap — he features in the No. 3 slot of Variety magazine’s top-10 list of the world’s most sought-after comics for 2017.

A source says, “Vir is the first-ever comedian from India to feature on the list. The success of Abroad Understanding spiked his popularity. Since he was touring the world with his comedy shows, he garnered more international recognition.”

Vir features on the list along with Brian Jordan Alvarez, Rhea Butcher, John Early, Hassan Minhaj and Tiffany Haddish.

When we reached out to the 38-year-old, he said, “It’s rewarding to be recognised and listed among some of the best talent in your space of work. I feel honoured. I couldn’t be happier.”