Actor Saswata Chatterjee has heaped praise on his Project K co-star Deepika Padukone for the latter’s courage in challenging stereotypes and redefining the idea of “strong female characters” in Indian cinema.

“Through her performances, Deepika has shown that femininity and strength are not mutually exclusive but can coexist harmoniously. This balance has inspired other actresses to embrace their femininity, encouraging them to redefine the notion of a ‘strong female character’ in Indian cinema,” said the actor who is known for his portrayal of a serial killer called Bob Biswas in Sujoy Ghosh’s 2012 film Kahaani.

Saswata also spoke about Deepika’s range of acting as the latter played diverse characters like a spy in Pathaan, a strong-willed warrior in Bajirao Mastani and a brave acid-attack survivor in Chhapaak. “Deepika has portrayed a diverse range of characters, each with their own complexities and struggles…she fearlessly takes on unconventional roles that defy traditional expectations. Her dedication to portraying such diverse and powerful characters has encouraged other actresses to venture beyond their comfort zones and explore uncharted territories,” he added.

The actor, who now works in both Bollywood and Tollywood, also highlighted Deepika's innate ability to bring depth and emotional resonance to her characters. “Whether it's portraying heartbreak in Tamasha or resilience in Piku, Deepika’s authentic performances create a connection with viewers, allowing them to empathise with the characters she portrays. This level of emotional authenticity has inspired others also to explore their own depths and bring more realism to their performances.”

Lauding the Pathaan actress for breaking stereotypes, Saswata said Deepika’s ability to challenge stereotypes and convey emotional depth had also inspired fellow actresses, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness, push boundaries and strive for excellence.

Directed by Nag Ashwin, Project K is headlined by Prabhas, Disha Patani and Amitabh Bachchan.