Deepika Padukone’s success after making her debut in the blockbuster Om Shanti Om (2007) is a well-documented fact. However, few recall that another actress also made her Bollywood debut in the same film, sharing the screen with Deepika.
This talented individual had big dreams and a promising career ahead, but somehow, her stardom slipped away, and she’s not as prominent in the industry today. Despite her potential, she couldn’t sustain the momentum and is now a lesser-known figure compared to Deepika’s meteoric rise to fame. Even though she had worked alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika, Yuvika’s career went in a completely different direction.
From Bollywood to Television
Since Om Shanti Om, Yuvika worked in a number of films like Summer 2007, Toh Baat Pakki!, Naughty @ 40, Khap, Enemmy, and The Shaukeens. Though she had worked with big names such as Akshay Kumar, none of them were very successful commercially or gave her a solid support base in Bollywood.
As the film opportunities diminished, Yuvika slowly turned her attention to television. She rose to fame with her role in reality shows like India’s Best Cinestars Ki Khoj, Bigg Boss 9, MTV Splitsvilla 10, and Nach Baliye 9 which she won with her husband, actor Prince Narula. Yuvika was recently seen in the 2022 TV series Cyber Vaar.
Standing by Deepika’s Concept of Work-Life Balance
Last month, Yuvika stepped forward in solidarity with Deepika Padukone’s proposal for an 8-hour working day in the film industry — particularly after being a mother. In an interview with Hindi Rush, Yuvika recognized the ordeal of women after being mothers, stating, “It’s not easy to become a mother, and then work after that is more difficult. She deserves that respect after working for so many years.”
Yuvika also came clean about rejecting many promising ventures to focus on her family. “People shouldn’t be so heartless. This is a tough journey, and they should stand by women,” she stated.
While Yuvika’s journey deviated from that of a Bollywood superstar, her decisions are proof of resilience and dedication to her profession and to her life.
