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Deepika Padukone slams Oscars for 'ignoring’ Indian films, calls 'RRR' win a personal victory

The Bollywood star opens up about India being overlooked at the Academy Awards and recalls the emotional moment RRR’s "Naatu Naatu" made history.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone reflects on India’s history at the Academy Awards and why RRR’s big win felt personal

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Deepika Padukone recently shared her thoughts on India’s history at the Oscars, pointing out how several deserving Indian films have been overlooked by the Academy. The Bollywood star, who presented at the 2023 Academy Awards, reflected on the moment when RRR’s "Naatu Naatu" won Best Original Song and how it felt deeply personal to her.

In a behind-the-scenes video posted on Instagram while getting ready for the Louis Vuitton show in Paris, Deepika opened up about her views on Indian films not getting their due recognition at the Oscars. "India has been robbed of the Oscars many times. So many deserving movies and talented people have been ignored," she said. She recalled sitting in the audience during the 2023 ceremony when RRR won and admitted to getting emotional. "I had nothing to do with the movie, but it was a huge moment. It felt very personal," she added.



Her comments have reignited discussions about Indian films that have been critically acclaimed but failed to make it to the Oscars. The video included clips from films like Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine As Light," Kiran Rao's "Laapataa Ladies," Rahi Anil Barve's "Tumbbad," and Ritesh Batra's "The Lunchbox." Each of these films received international praise but did not get nominated for an Oscar.

Deepika also spoke about this year’s Oscars and mentioned that one win that made her particularly happy was Adrien Brody’s Best Actor award for "The Brutalist." She praised his performance, calling it well-deserved.

Instagram/DeepikaPadukone roar-assets-auto.rbl.ms


Beyond discussing the Academy Awards, Deepika made history in the fashion world by attending the Louis Vuitton show at the Cour Carrée du Louvre. She is the first Indian to be signed as a global ambassador for both Louis Vuitton and Cartier, solidifying her influence on the global stage.

Deepika PadukoneThe actress slams the Oscars for repeatedly ignoring Indian films despite global acclaimGetty Images


Her statements have resonated with fans, who praised her for addressing the lack of recognition Indian cinema receives internationally. Many believe that while "Naatu Naatu" winning was a step in the right direction, there is still a long way to go for Indian films to receive consistent recognition at the Oscars.

Deepika PadukoneDeepika recalls the emotional moment when India won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2023Getty Images


As Bollywood continues to produce high-quality films that make waves globally, the hope remains that more Indian cinema will get the acknowledgement it deserves on Hollywood’s biggest stage.

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  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
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  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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