Bollywood hottie Deepika Padukone stepped into glamour world at the age of 17. The actress who was born with silver spoon and luck by her side, didn't have it easy in the tinsel-town. Deepika who, started her career with a glamorous double role in blockbuster Om Shanti Om opposite superstar Shah Rukh Khan was initially dismissed for thick South-Indian accent and lack of acting talent. After a long spell of bad films and bad decisions, Deepika hit back with Love Aaj Kal in 2009. And then there was no looking back. Here are few lesser know facts about current Bollywood queen Deepika Padukone.

Deepika Padukone, the daughter of the badminton player Prakash Padukone, was born in Copenhagen and raised in Bangalore.

As a teenager, Deepika was a passionate national level badminton player, and played volley ball at state level too.

Deepika's first brush with silver-screen was Kannada film Aishwarya (2006), in which she played the titular role.

Director Farah Khan decided to cast her in Om Shanti Om after watching her in Himesh Resahmiya's in a music video.

Deepika played double role in her very first Bollywood release Om Shanti Om, and won a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut.

Deepika learned the Japanese martial art form of jujutsu for Chandni Chowk To China. She performed the stunts without any body double.

While offering Cocktail, producer Dinesh Vijan asked Deepika to choose either of the female roles. Padukone decided on risque Veronica and rest as they say is history.

In 2008, Deepika topped Indian Maxim's 'Hot 100' list and in 2012, she was named 'India's Most Beautiful Woman' by the Indian edition of People magazine.

Deepika has acted opposite much older star Shah Rukh Khan in three movies, within seven years. A rare feet by a Next-Gen actress.

Deepika has acted with all the big names in the industry - from Amitabh Bachchan to Rajinikanth but is still to feature opposite Aamir Khan and Salman Khan.

Deepika Padukone was actually the first choice for Jab Tak Hai Jaan and Dhoom 3. both went to her rival Katrina Kaif.

Deepika, rejected not one but three films opposite Salman Khan - Shuddhi, Sultan and an item number in Kick.

With Tamasha, Piku and Bajirao-Mastani lined up for release in 2015, we wish the leggy lass a successful year ahead.