Deepika Padukone calls out Oscars for snubbing Indian films

Deepika Padukone is fed up, and honestly, who can blame her? The Bollywood superstar took to Instagram recently to call out the Oscars for what she sees as a glaring snub of Indian cinema—a frustration that’s been simmering for years among fans and filmmakers alike. With her signature grace but a sharp edge of disappointment, she made it clear: India’s treasure trove of stories, talent, and cinematic brilliance deserves way more than a polite nod from the Academy.

It’s not just a rant from a celebrity with a platform—Deepika’s got skin in the game. She was there, front and center, at the 2023 Oscars, presenting an award and soaking in the electric moment when RRR snagged a win for “Naatu Naatu.” That victory was a rare burst of joy for Indian cinema on the global stage, a fleeting taste of what could be. But for Deepika, it’s not enough—not even close. “We’ve been overlooked too many times,” she wrote, her words carrying the weight of an industry that’s long been knocking on Hollywood’s door, only to be left standing in the cold.

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Picture this: Deepika, prepping for the Louis Vuitton show in Paris—glamorous, poised, every bit the international icon—pausing to reflect on that night at the Oscars. She remembers the roar of the crowd, the infectious energy of “Naatu Naatu” echoing through the Dolby Theatre, and the pride swelling in her chest. But she also remembers what didn’t happen: the bigger wins, the best picture nods, the recognition for films that pulse with the kind of raw, vibrant storytelling the Academy claims to celebrate. “We deserved more,” she said, and it’s hard to argue with her.

Take RRR—a larger-than-life epic that had audiences worldwide hooked with its dazzling visuals and unapologetic heart. That Oscar win was a milestone, sure, but Deepika’s point stings because it’s true: Indian films have been robbed of their moment too often. From sweeping historical dramas to intimate human stories, India’s cinema has a depth and flavor that’s uniquely its own. Yet, year after year, the Oscars seem to glance past it, favoring safer bets or more familiar narratives.

Deepika’s not just speaking for herself here—she’s echoing a sentiment that’s been bubbling up in living rooms, film sets, and social media across India. She’s been a trailblazer herself, crossing over to Hollywood with xXx: Return of Xander Cage and carrying Indian elegance to red carpets worldwide. So when she says the industry’s talent isn’t getting its due, it’s not a hollow complaint—it’s a call to action from someone who’s seen both sides of the divide.

As she gears up to dazzle Paris, Deepika’s words linger like a challenge. Will the Academy finally wake up to the richness of Indian cinema? Or will it take more voices—and more moments like “Naatu Naatu”—to force the door open? One thing’s for sure: Deepika Padukone isn’t staying quiet about it, and that’s a spark worth watching.