The darling diva of Bollywood Deepika Padukone turns 29 today and it wouldn’t be too wrong to say that she has the world at her feet in current times. While her rise to superstardom has been a spectacular one, there is no denying that she went through her struggles and flops before finally making it big in Bollywood. We trace the five important things that brought Deepika fame, money and success.

Kingfisher Calendar

Liquor baron Vijay Mallya’s annual affair with the three Bs- babes, bikini and beer - is what gave Deepika her first brush with stardom. Deepika who was already a known name in the Bangalore modelling world sizzled and how in a sexy two-piece bikini on the pages of the coveted Kingfisher calendar captured by master lensman Atul Kasbekar. The calendar did wonders for her career and she hitherto remains the only Kingfisher babe who has made it big in the glamour industry.

The SRK Factor

If you have SRK as your unofficial Godfather, success is for yours to taste. Deepika had a dream Bollywood launch opposite the superstar in Farah Khan’s Om Shanti Om. The movie immediately catapulted Deepika into the top league and she became the toast of the nation. So charmed was SRK that he repeated her in Chennai Express and the very recent Happy New Year. She also became the first ever actress whose four consecutive films crossed 100 crores at the box-office in 2013. One person who Deepika should really thank for her film career is composer Himesh Reshammiya. Himesh cast Deepika in his hit music album and that is where Farah first spotted Deepika. And the rest as they say is history.

A-list Handsome Boyfriends

Before Deepika stepped into Bollywood, she was living in with her then boyfriend, Nihar Pandya. Post her success in films, Nihar became a thing of the past. The hot Deepika had the most eligible bachelors of B-town eating out of her hands. First up was Siddharth Mallya who earned a trophy girlfriend in Deepika. Their kiss at an IPL match scored more TRPs than the game itself. However, things soured soon between the duo and both called it quits. Grapevine has it that theirs was a relationship of convenience where Deepika was allegedly contracted to be Siddharth's girlfriend for some time in lieu of which she was given a 16 crore flat in Mumbai. Post Siddharth came the Kapoor scion, Ranbir Kapoor in Deepika's life and the actress fell hook line and sinker for him. Such was her deep love that she even got his initials inked on the nape of her neck to prove her love for him in filmy style. However, good things never last for long. Ranbir's alleged infidel ways soon left Deepika heartbroken and single. But not for long as debonair dude Ranveer Singh soon came to Deepika's aid and 'Did his Rex' to win her undying and unwavering admiration. Their scintillating chemistry in Ram-Leela was there for all to see and the duo continues to remain entrenched in each other’s arms whenever time permits. Tellychakkar had caught the lovers once during their midnight rendezvous.

Cleavage Controversy

No one in the industry takes on Times of India. But brave Deepika did when Times published unflattering pictures that focused on her cleavage in one of their online editions. Deepika retaliated and received ample support from the industry which only asserted her standing in the industry. Of course, one couldn't miss the timing of the controversy which coincided with her new releases. Nevertheless, ever star needs a controversy and this one belonged to Deepika.

The Unique Fan Connect

No other actress from the current generation connects with her fans like Deepika Padukone. The soft spoken mannerisms of the actress and her affable nature make her an instant hit both among males and females. And the lady very well knows how to keep her fan base swelling. During last year's Filmfare, Deepika brought a girl fan of hers on stage while receiving the Best Actress Award and also dedicated the award to her fans spread all across the globe. On another occasion, she organised a fashion show where a few lucky fans of hers were trained and groomed by her to walk the ramp. No doubt her fan following keeps soaring with each passing day.

Wish Deepika a very happy birthday in the comment box below.