Deepika Padukone is redefining success after over a decade of starring in Hindi cinema's highest-grossing films. The actress says she now prioritises authenticity and work-life balance over box-office milestones and high-value film projects.
The actress, who has been vocal about pay parity and fair working hours in the film industry, said she has reached a point in her career where fame and money no longer drive her choices and her priorities have shifted significantly. “At this stage, it's not about that anymore. It's not about the Rs 100-crore films, or even the Rs 500–600 crore ones,” she said in a recent interview.
Over the past few months, industry reports have suggested that Padukone dropped out of two high-profile productions “Spirit” and “Kalki 2898 AD”, both starring Prabhas, over equitable pay and a demand for eight-hour work shift.
“Anything that doesn’t feel true to me doesn’t cut it. Sometimes people offer a lot of money and think that’s enough, but it isn’t. And the reverse is also true—some things may not be commercially big, but I believe in the people or the message, and I’ll stand by it. Was I always this clear? Maybe not. But I’ve reached that clarity now. Do I sometimes look back and think, ‘What was I thinking?’ Of course. That’s part of learning. Maybe 10 years from now, I’ll question some of today’s choices. But right now, they feel honest.”
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“What excites me is empowering other talent. My team and I are now focused on enabling storytelling—supporting writers, directors, new producers. That feels meaningful to me now,” she said.
Calling out the industry’s long-standing work culture challenges and glorification of burnout as misplaced, Padukone said: “We have normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you're healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one.”
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