“Do I sometimes look back and question my choices? Of course. But that’s part of learning. Maybe ten years from now, I’ll question some of today’s choices, too. Right now, they feel honest,” she said.
Image Source: Instagram/@deepikapadukone
From the dazzling debut in ‘Om Shanti Om’ to the pan-India spectacle ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, Deepika Padukone has carved a place for herself as one of Bollywood’s brightest stars. Over 18 years, she has entertained audiences with unforgettable performances, yet she is refreshingly candid about the highs, lows, and of course lessons of her career.
In a recent chat with ‘Harper’s Bazaar India’, Deepika revealed that she sometimes revisits her past choices with a mix of nostalgia and “What was I thinking?” moments.
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“Was I always this clear? Maybe not. But I’ve reached that clarity now,” she admitted. The actor emphasised that authenticity is her non-negotiable. “Anything that doesn’t feel true to me doesn’t cut. Money, fame, or commercial success. Those are secondary. What matters is whether I believe in the people I work with or the message a film carries.”
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Deepika has had films that didn’t quite click at the box office or with critics, and she doesn’t shy away from acknowledging them. But for her, learning from mistakes is part of the process.
“Do I sometimes look back and question my choices? Of course. But that’s part of learning. Maybe ten years from now, I’ll question some of today’s choices, too. Right now, they feel honest,” she said.
Deepika’s approach now is a far cry from the uncertainty she faced in the early years of her career. Back then the glitz and glamour of Bollywood often overshadowed her instincts. Today she prioritises roles that resonate with her personally and creatively even if they are not guaranteed box-office hits. It’s quite a shift from chasing trends to seeking meaning in the chaos.
Looking ahead, Deepika has an exciting slate of projects. She will appear in a supporting role alongside Shah Rukh Khan in ‘King’, directorial of Siddharth Anand.
The film features Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji. Following that, she will team up with director Atlee for his untitled Allu Arjun-starrer, tentatively referred to as ‘AA22xA6’, ready for release in 2027.
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