In a candid revelation, Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has declared a significant shift in her professional priorities, stating that the allure of massive box office successes and financial gains no longer dictates her career decisions.
A New Chapter of Creative Empowerment
The actress, one of the industry's highest-paid performers, opened up about her evolved mindset in a recent conversation with Harper’s Bazaar. She explicitly stated that she is no longer motivated by the prospect of starring in films with astronomical budgets. "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," Deepika affirmed.
Her comments come in the wake of her decision to step away from two high-profile projects opposite Baahubali star Prabhas. Instead of chasing commercial giants, her focus has pivoted towards more meaningful endeavours. "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 explained.
Clarity and Conviction in Choices
Through her production banner, KA Productions, which has backed films like Chhapaak and 83, Deepika is channeling this new philosophy. She detailed her refined approach to selecting work, emphasizing authenticity over financial incentive.
"Anything that doesn't feel true to me doesn't cut it," she stated. "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."
The actress acknowledged that this clarity is a product of her experience and growth. "Was I always this clear? Maybe not. But I've reached that clarity now," she reflected, adding that while she sometimes questions past decisions, her current choices feel genuinely honest.
Advocating for a Healthier Work Culture
Aligning with her recent advocacy for fair working conditions and equal pay, Deepika also addressed the industry's problematic culture of overwork. She strongly criticized the normalization of burnout, which is often mistaken for dedication.
"We have normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment," she told the magazine. "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."
This stance is believed to be a key factor behind her exit from projects like Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD. Reports indicated that her departure was linked to demands for equal pay and a strict eight-hour work schedule.
Despite moving away from these big-ticket films, Deepika Padukone remains active in the industry. She is currently working on her next project, King, alongside Shah Rukh Khan, signaling that her new chapter is not about stepping back, but about moving forward with purpose and principle.
