‘xXx: Return Of Xander Cage’ Star Deepika Padukone Proves She’s More Than Another Indian Sidekick

Deepika Padukone makes her big American film debut with xXx: Return of Zander Cage and, while Vin Diesel is the undeniable star of the high-octane action film, Padukone makes a noteworthy mark as Serena Unger. Following on the heels of Quantico’s Priyanka Chopra, Deepika continues in similar footsteps, hoping to break down the stereotypes Hollywood continues to promote in the characterization of Indian roles. With that in mind, the xXx: Return of Xander Cage actress reveals the ways in which she turned her role into an opportunity to bring greater diversity to Hollywood for Indian actors.

xXx: Return Of Xander Cage Trailer Plugs An Old-Fashioned Action Flick

At its core, xXx: Return of Xander Cage is essentially a Vin Diesel driven action flick, reminiscent of the traditional films of the 80s and 90s, like Die Hard and Lethal Weapon. As /Film suggests, it’s all about taking on the villains in explosive confrontations and getting the girl by the end of the film. There’s humor to be had, as well as death-defying action, including scenes that have Diesel mounting skis for a jungle chase and motorcycling across ocean waves in pursuit of his prey.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage may even outdo the two previous films, drawing more attention early on through eye-catching casting additions with a mix of fresh faces and heavy hitters, such as Nina Dobrev, Ruby Rose, Donnie Yen, Rory McCann, Tony Jaa, and Toni Collette.

Also joining the xXx: Return of Xander Cage is Deepika Padukone, but she reveals that she only agreed to take on the Vin Diesel flick as her first full-length American feature film as long as producers consented to one stipulation. Times of India reports that Deepika was adamant about an Indian premiere event for xXx: Return of Xander Cage and wouldn’t consider taking on the role of Serena Unger, unless that request was met.

“When Deepika first met us to talk about the role, she said, ‘If I do this role, you have to promise me one thing that we do a premiere at India’. And just last week, we were scheduling a premiere in India for January 2017. So it’s really going to happen,” confirmed actor and producer Vin Diesel.

Deepika Padukone Is Another Strong And Determined Indian Actress

Move over, Priyanka Chopra! It’s time to make room for another Bollywood actress seeking to break barriers in Hollywood and American cinema, as Deepika Padukone debuts in xXx: Return of Xander Cage. Quartz reports that Padukone was excited to star alongside Vin Diesel, but adds that the actress wouldn’t do so if it meant reinforcing the Indian stereotypes created by uneducated Hollywood executives.

Deepika’s main concern was the issue of creating a “real Indian accent” for her Xander Cage role. In speaking about this issue, Ms. Padukone shares the information that accents among India’s population varies from state to state, just as accents vary throughout different areas of the United States. Still, when Indians are represented in American cinema and television, Padukone points out that they all sound the same, speaking in a melodic singing tone. Almost always, the Indian characters nod or jerk their heads, as well.

It is an insulting stereotype and after Priyanka Chopra has made great strides in changing that image of Indian characters, Deepika wasn’t eager to undo all of the good she has done by falling back into that old stereotype for xXx: Return of Xander Cage.

Instead, Deepika convinced Vin Diesel and his fellow producers to allow her to speak in her own voice and allow American filmgoers to experience her true accent for themselves. In that way, Deepika Padukone hopes to both establish herself as an actress in the United States, while also remaining loyal to her Indian roots.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage is set to premiere on January 20, 2017 in theaters.

[Featured Image by John Phillips/Getty Images]