Bangalore: Prakash Padukone, father of model-turned actress Deepika Padukone and former world badminton champion said that her daughter never dreamt to be a Bollywood celebrity. She was always interested in modeling and the fashion industry.

Deepika started her career from Farah Khan’s ‘Om Shanti Om’ (OSO), co-starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Mr. Prakash said, “She was always interested in modelling... in the fashion industry. We knew that her interest was towards that (modelling) and she had done a few ads when she was still in school... films were not anywhere on her mind initially.”

“She wanted to be a model. And it was only when she was modelling - she modelled for about two years - I think somewhere down the line... during that period, she decided she would try her hand in acting also,” he said.

When asked that whether he had any regrets on his daughter’s decision, Mr. Padukone said, “We, both me and my wife, believe in encouraging our children in whatever they are interested in not imposing our views. That way, they excel when you enjoy whatever you do.”

"Because, these days, there are opportunities in any field. One does not have to be an engineer or doctor to make a good living. There is scope for an artist or a singer or a performer in the last five years or ten years."

"So, we were very sure that we would encourage them in whatever field. That's also been our experience in the past. You push somebody into something which you want them to be, then both will be disappointed, and they may not be inclined," he said.

Now, the life of 22-year-old actress has totally changed. But her father wants her to remain humble and focused and not lose control by the new celebrity position.