Atul Kasbekar (Photographer)
Deepika is the leggy Manglorean lass who the camera can’t stop romancing. Ace photographer Atul Kasbekar, who has shot her at length, says, “She’s a phenomenal model and has the makings of the next big superstar. She is a classic Indian beauty like a Madhuri Dixit or Rani Mukerji. Her appeal lies in her eyes.”

Farah Khan (Director)
Deepika is a classic beauty who has the poise of a South actress. She's also a fabulous dancer and after doing her screen test I was convinced she'll work for the film. I really felt as if I was launching my own daughter.

Farah Khan (Director)
What successful actress would you compare your leading lady to?
Deepika has the poise and grace of Hema Malini. In song sequences, she's like Madhuri — a total phataka!

Indrajit Lankesh (Filmmaker who launched Deepika in Kannada)
Deepika is a rare breed who's blessed with both beauty and brains. She's a very smart girl and always makes the right moves. Even though she's not a born actress, she's honing her skills well. And going by the promos of OSO, I think she's done a fabulous job. Even when she debuted in my film Aishwarya, she was keen to do a good job and always corrected her mistakes. Deepika's in the same mould as Aishwarya Bachchan. And she's learned the ropes of the industry well. I think she's brilliant at handling the media and industry folks. She's definitely ready to take on Bollywood.

Atul Kasbekar (Bollywood photographer who worked with Deepika on a fashion calendar)
Deepika Padukone is very special, not just to the industry, but also to my family. Her aunt was the gynaec who delivered our twins and that's when I met her as a gangly, coltish young girl. And I said, ‘Listen to me and we'll make you a star.' Deepika has the X-factor and I don't think SRK and Farah Khan are fools to back her in a multi-crore project if they didn't see that unique quality in her.

Gouri Kapur (Stylist and make-up artiste who's worked with Deepika)
I always knew Deepika was going to make it big. I've known and worked with her from the time she stepped into modelling. She just oozes oomph and is very different from the others. And now Deepika's at the top because she's a hard worker; she's very picky and makes the right choices. She's a fabulous human being and we share a great bond. Bollywood is ready for you, girl!

Deepika Govind (Fashion Expert)
I've seen Deepika even before she became a model and when I see her now, there's such a phenomenal change. Her height, maturity, face and grace are her highlights. And so far, from what I see of her, she's heading the right way. Deepika has modelled my collections at numerous fashion weeks and each time I see her, there's so much change. She makes a difference on the ramp and I'm sure she'll do the same on screen.

Paolo Roversi (Fashion Photographer)
“I've been an ardent admirer of the classic Indian look for years. Deepika has that and more. She also has a certain calming effect about her. She exudes regality in her stride and has the most beautiful pair of eyes.”

Indrajith Lankesh (South Indian Director)
"I launched Deepika in my Kannada film Aishwarya last year. Deepika is a rare combination of beauty and brains. She's come at the right place, age and time when Bollywood needs a Gen X heroine and the others are fading away. Deepika is very committed and she's trying to improve on her acting every day. When I was editing Aishwarya, Deepika was finalised for Om Shanti Om. I see Deepika going the Ash way."

SRK (Leading Actor)
"The star of the film (Om Shanti Om) is Deepika. She has done a great job in the film. We all tried to outdo her by our performance but she has managed to beat all of us. Her acting in the film is excellent and she has the potential to become a great actress in the future."

Anupam Kher (Leading Actor and Teacher)
Deepika was a student in his second batch (June-August 2005) and Kher remembers her as a diligent learner. "She came with the reputation of being a successful model, yet she never had any airs about herself. She realized that film was a new medium and she slogged tirelessly to understand, and emerge, on top of the heap,"

Vijay Mallya (Business Tycoon-KingFisher Airlines)
"Deepika is the face of India and the hearthrobs of millions. I wanted someone who is not only the face but also the ears for us. She is someone with beauty and brains. Also, I have had the pleasure and priviledge of knowing her father, one of the few world champions that India has produced."

Amitabh Bachchan (Leading Actor)
"Deepika was statuesque, regal and endearing." Mr. Bachchan's statement on Deepika's OSO performance.