Deepika, Virat among Time’s 100 most influential people

New York: Actor Deepika Padukone is the only Indian actor to feature in Time magazine’s list of 100 most influential people.

With a profile by her xXx: Return of Xander Cage co- star Vin Diesel, Padukone’s name features in the artists’ list which has names such as Nicole Kidman, Ryan Coogler, Gal Gadot, Sterling K Brown, Hugh Jackman and others.

Diesel calls Padukone “not just a star” but an “actor’s actor” and someone who represents the world, not just India.

“When Deepika Padukone came in to read for one of the Fast and the Furious films,

I knew instantly I was in the presence of someone very special. As soon as she entered the room, there was a synchronicity, a synergy, a chemistry — it promised great things to come. Her schedule didn’t work for that movie, but I never gave up. She was the first role we cast in xXx: Return of Xander Cage.

She said, ‘ I want to do this movie, but if I do, you have to come to India.’ Thank God I made that deal,” Diesel wrote. “Making that movie, Deepika took committed to a whole other level. That’s who she is as a performer. She wants the whole movie to shine, which is a rare thing. Anyone could talk about how beautiful she is, and anyone could tell you about her unmatched comedic timing. But she isn’t just a star. She’s an actor’s actor, dedicated to the craft,” he added.

“So often in the entertainment industry we deal in stereotypes, and people get stuck in certain markets.