Deepika Padukone, who has been at the forefront of conversations around fair working hours and equal pay in Bollywood, says she has now reached a phase in her career where box-office milestones no longer define her choices. After exiting two major projects opposite Baahubali star Prabhas, the actor shared that even Rs 500-crore spectacles no longer impress her.In her interview 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.”
Why Deepika is choosing purpose over paycheques
Deepika explained that she is now more invested in nurturing new creative voices than chasing commercial blockbusters.“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 said.The actress, who has backed Chhapaak and 83 through KA Productions, added that she now selects projects based on honesty and instinct rather than financial scale.“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,” she shared.Deepika further reflected on her growth, “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.”
Calling out the culture of burnout
One of the highest-paid actresses in the country, Deepika also addressed the industry’s unhealthy work culture and the glorification of long, punishing schedules.She 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.”Her statements come months after she exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD. Reports had claimed that equal pay and an eight-hour shift were key reasons behind her decision to step away.Amid shifting priorities and a more mindful approach to work, Deepika is now collaborating once again with Shah Rukh Khan on his upcoming film King, marking another high-profile project in their long-running professional partnership.
