Deepika played Shantipriya, 1970s top star in Om Shanti Om. She was selected as she had the perfect look for the actress of that era and for being called the “dreamy girl”.
Deepika was a newcomer from modelling background. Generally, newcomers transitioning from modelling to a major film debut lack the professional voice modulation or fluency in cinematic Hindi.
Also, her mother tongue being Konkani, Deepika’s early hindi pronunciation carried a distinct regional South Indian tone.
Farah Khan felt that it did not fit the quintessential 1970s star persona. Her initial voice quality and dialogue delivery during tests were unpolished and disturbed the flow of dramatic scenes.
Deepika’s dialogue delivery, voice clarity and accent did not suit the classic Bollywood character of Shantipriya.
Therefore, renowned voice dubbing artist Mona Ghosh Shetty was brought in to dub all of Deepika’s spoken dialogues for the theatrical cut.
Mona Ghosh Shetty had given her voice for the female leads in films like Kaho Naa…Pyaar Hai, Main Hoon Na, Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, Soldier, Heyy Baby, Partner and Jism to name a few.
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