Even after 13 years, Deepika Padukone's bold, rebel 'fashion-icon' character' Veronica' continues to mesmerize millions of fans! by Chaitanya Padukone

Three Filmfare Award-winning internationally acclaimed star actress Deepika Padukone is not just one of the biggest actresses in Indian cinema but also a true "fashion icon" !. While she has delivered several powerful performances, her on-screen looks have also set major trends. Fans across the country continue to draw inspiration from her film styles. One such film that sparked a fashion frenzy was the Hindi romantic movie  Cocktail (2012) co-written by Imtiaz Ali and directed by Homi Adajania.

Released 13 years ago today, Deepika’s portrayal of vivacious Veronica Melaney (co-star Saif Ali Khan--also the co-producer along with Dinesh Vijan) was not only bold, quite brazen yet unforgettable but also a turning point in cinematic fashion. Her style in the film, edgy, boho-chic, and effortlessly glamorous, became instantly iconic. Deepika herself once shared that Veronica will forever remain one of her most special characters, as it left a deep personal impact on her journey.

As an eminent senior film-journalist I have interviewed  Deepika Padukone exclusively for  Mid-Day (Mumbai) daily leading English newspaper way back in 2006 when she made her dazzling title-role debut in Kannada regional hit film titled ' Aishwarya. Then again I interviewed the "Piku' lead actress for director Farah Khan's super-hit  'Om Shanti Om' (2007) where charismatic Padukone made her Hindi filmy debut opposite mega-star Shah Rukh Khan !.  

Deepika spoke about her rebel, maverick lead character in Cocktail and said, “I have always believed that while you put a little part of yourself in every character you play, you also carry a part of that character with you forever. And therefore, Veronica will always be one of the most special characters which I have chosen to play, on-screen; the one that changed a lot for me professionally and impacted me personally.”

Deepika Padukone’s style diary in Cocktail is still iconic because it perfectly mirrored her character, Veronica—bold, rebellious, bohemian and unapologetically herself. Every outfit was a reflection of her free-spirited nature, from pairing a bikini top with a sequin mini dress to mixing pajama pants with a cotton-sleeved top. Whether it was the sexy boho mini skirt with a one-shoulder drop crop top in Tumhi Ho Bandhu or confidently stepping out in boots off-season, Veronica made a statement every time.

Even her saree look in the chart-busting track Second Hand Jawaani, with her toned waist and perfectly draped silhouette, redefined ethnic wear with a modern twist. Her messy hair, daring combinations, and fearless attitude created a style revolution. Each look spoke volumes about her character, and that’s why Deepika’s Veronica and her style diary remain eternally iconic in the world of fashion. It wasn’t just fashion, it was character-driven styling. Thirteen years later, Veronica’s fashion legacy remains timeless and eternally iconic.

Read also:

• Karan Tacker Reflects on the Honour of Watching Tanvi The Great with the President of India
• Birth Anniversary: This film of Prakash Mehra made Amitabh a superstar overnight
• Maalik Screening: Poonam Dhillon, Nikita Dutta & More Grace Star-Studded Night
• The journey of the soul, Ramanand Sagar Ji's philosophy, and the world of the universe