Deepika Padukone and I used to go in auto-rickshaw during early dating days, claims actor Muzammil Ibrahim

Before she became one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Deepika Padukone shared a lesser-known chapter of her life with Muzammil Ibrahim, claims the model-turned-actor. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Muzammil shared personal anecdotes from their two-year-long relationship, offering a rare glimpse into Deepika’s early years in Mumbai. The two met while working together on a Tommy Hilfiger fashion show during their modelling days. Muzammil recalled that it was Deepika who made the first move and asked him out.

Memories of Modest Beginnings

Their relationship began when both were still establishing themselves. Muzammil described their time together as full of warmth and simplicity. Recalling their early dating days, he said they used to go on rickshaw rides during the rainy season because they couldn’t afford more lavish outings.

He noted that he had started earning more at the time and eventually bought a car, which made Deepika very happy. These modest dates, according to him, are among his fondest memories.

The Breakup and Its Aftermath

Muzammil clarified that it was he who ended the relationship. When asked why, he said he had no regrets about the decision. He referred to their bond as his “first serious relationship” and emphasized that there was no bitterness between them.

The breakup didn’t immediately end their communication, and they remained cordial for years. “Before she got married, we would talk sometimes,” he said, adding that their conversations eventually stopped after Deepika tied the knot with Ranveer Singh in 2018.

Despite going their separate ways, Muzammil expressed deep admiration for Deepika’s journey. “She is a superstar now. Everyone knows her, nobody knows me. I am a big fan. I love watching her movies,” he said. He also mentioned that Deepika’s confidence even in those early days stemmed from her background, being the daughter of renowned badminton player Prakash Padukone.

Revisiting Their Bond

In the interview, Muzammil acknowledged that they reconnected a few years after their breakup and occasionally congratulated each other on their professional achievements. “We always saw something good in one another,” he noted. Muzammil made it clear that although they were both young and relatively unknown back then, they had a meaningful relationship. He stressed that he never looked back with regret and only wished her happiness.

A Career in Contrast

While Deepika's rise in Bollywood was meteoric, Muzammil's acting career did not take the same trajectory. After winning the Gladrags Manhunt India title in 2003, he entered films with Dhokha in 2007 and went on to appear in a few more projects like Horn 'Ok' Pleassss and Will You Marry Me?. However, none of his films found major success. He was last seen in the 2020 web series Special Ops.

Today, Deepika Padukone is a global icon with a long list of acclaimed performances and a solid brand value. Muzammil, on the other hand, acknowledges his relative anonymity but takes pride in the journey he and Deepika once shared. Deepika has not responded publicly to Muzammil's revelations.