Deepika Padukone says ‘people offer you a lot of money, think that’s enough’

Deepika Padukone, who has been in the news for advocating fair working hours and equal pay, now said she has reached a point in her career where fame and money no longer drive her choices. After stepping away from two major projects opposite ‘Baahubali’ star Prabhas, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ and the second iteration of ‘Kalki’, the actress shared that Rs 500-crore films no longer excite her.

The actress, who has produced ‘Chhapaak’ and ‘83’ under ‘KA Productions’, explained her evolved approach to choosing work. “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.”

In a conversation with ‘Harper’s Bazaar’, Deepika said, “At this stage, it’s not about that anymore. It’s not about the Rs 100-crore films or even the Rs 500-Rs 600 crore ones.”

“What excites me is empowering other talent. My team and I are now focused on that - enabling storytelling and supporting other creative minds, writers, directors and even new producers. That’s what feels meaningful to me now,” she added.

One of Bollywood’s highest-paid actresses, Deepika recently spoke about the unhealthy glorification of overworking. “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,” she said.