Deepika Padukone is the biggest actress in Indian cinema, with numerous blockbusters to her credit. Her three recent films have crossed the ₹1000 crore mark globally, solidifying her position as a true box office star. Over the years, she has delivered several iconic roles, and one such unforgettable character was Meenamma in Chennai Express. With her perfect South Indian accent, expressive acting, radiant screen presence, and sizzling chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika won the hearts of audiences nationwide. As the film completes 12 glorious years since its release, here’s a nostalgic look back at the 5 best scenes of Deepika Padukone as Meenamma in Chennai Express.
Meenamma’s Iconic Conversation Song with Rahul
One of the most loved scenes in Chennai Express features Deepika’s Meenamma and SRK’s Rahul hilariously communicating through Bollywood song lyrics to confuse Meenamma’s goon cousins. Set on a train to Chennai, Deepika brilliantly sings parodied versions of iconic songs, adding perfect comic timing and charm. It’s a standout moment that showcases her effortless humor and screen presence.
Meenamma’s Sleep-Talking Scene in Bed with Rahul
Deepika showcases her comic brilliance in the hilarious scene where Meenamma shares a room with Rahul. As she starts sleep-talking in a spooky voice, Rahul gets terrified, only for things to get worse when she suddenly kicks him off the bed! With perfect timing and expressions, Deepika makes this one of the funniest and most memorable moments in the film.
Meenamma’s Mundi Hilao Conversation with Rahul
In one of the funniest scenes, Meenamma warns Rahul to simply nod his head—“Mundi Hilao”, if she speaks to him in front of her terrifying father. What follows is a laugh riot as SRK obediently nods at everything she says, leading to hilarious banter and comic confusion that Deepika delivers flawlessly.
Emotional Father-Mother Conversation Ends with Halvai
In a heartwarming yet funny scene, Rahul opens up about his father, who owned a sweet shop. As he proudly declares the iconic line, “Don’t underestimate the power of a common man,” Meenamma hilariously interrupts with, “Tum halwai ho?” Deepika’s deadpan delivery adds the perfect comic touch to this memorable moment of teasing SRK again and again.
The Bakwas Dictionary Scene in the Forest
In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Rahul decides to head into the forest alone, leading to a hilarious exchange with Meenamma. When he confidently says, “Meri dictionary mein impossible ka shabd hi nahi hai,” she snaps back, “Kahan se kharidi itni bakwaas dictionary?” Their witty banter remains a fan-favorite even after 12 years but the way Meenamma says ‘Bakwas’ became iconic.
(Contributed by Maithili Bachani)