Deepika Padukone reveals why Rs 500-crore films no longer excite her, says, ‘Anything that doesn’t…’

In the glitzy and glamorous world of showbiz, success is often measured through mammoth budgets, star-studded casts and record-shattering box-office numbers. However, there are a few actors who are changing this narrative and redefining what truly matters to her. Deepika, the face of some of Bollywood’s biggest commercial films, revealed that she has now reached a stage where financial scale and box-office milestones are no longer the deciding factors in her career. Instead, she is choosing intention, creativity, and authenticity.

Why Rs 500-Crore Projects Don’t Impress Her Anymore

Deepika’s shift became clearer after she exited two highly anticipated films headlined by Prabhas, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD. In an interview, Deepika shares that the number doesn’t influence her film choice. She 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.”

Choosing Honesty Over Money

Deepika added that she now selects projects based on instinct rather than payment.
“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.”

Supporting New Creative Voices

The actress also shared that she feels most fulfilled when collaborating with creative minds.
“What excites me is empowering other talent. My team and I are now focused on enabling storytelling and supporting other creative minds, writers, directors, and even new producers. That’s what feels meaningful to me now,” she said.

She emphasized that she now stands by films she believes in. “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 added.

Reflecting on her evolution, Deepika admitted that clarity was not always this strong.
“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.”

8-Hour Work Shift

Earlier, Deepika Padukone was in the news for demanding an 8-hour work shift and urging others to stop normalising overworking.
She had 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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