Deepika Padukone says even $60 million films don’t excite her now: “Authenticity is the only non-negotiable”

Highlights

• Deepika Padukone says fame and money no longer drive her decisions
  
• Reveals she has turned down major projects and large paychecks
  
• Says authenticity is her only non-negotiable
  
• Works on King and multiple upcoming films
  

Big money no longer shapes her choices

Deepika Padukone, who has recently spoken about fair working hours and equal pay, now says she has reached a stage where scale and money no longer influence her decisions. After stepping away from two major films opposite Prabhas, she explains that even projects expected to earn $60–72 million do not interest her if they don’t feel meaningful.

Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar, she says, “At this stage, it’s not about that anymore. It’s not about the $12 million films, or even the $60–72 million ones.”

Turning down large paychecks for authenticity

Deepika reveals she has declined significant fees because the roles didn’t feel true to her. She says authenticity is the only non-negotiable at work and that money alone cannot be the deciding factor. If a project has sincerity, even without commercial scale, she stands by it.

A clarity shaped by experience

Deepika says this confidence in choosing the right projects comes from years in the industry. She admits she sometimes looks back and questions earlier decisions and expects she may do the same years from now. But at present, she says her choices feel honest and aligned with her values.

Her upcoming projects

Deepika is currently working on King, Shah Rukh Khan’s next film featuring Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and Anil Kapoor. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the movie is set to release next year and marks Suhana Khan’s big-screen debut.

She is also part of Atlee’s film with Allu Arjun, currently titled AA26xAA6, which reportedly includes Rashmika Mandanna, Mrunal Thakur and Janhvi Kapoor.

Deepika additionally has the Hindi remake of The Intern in development, continuing her focus on projects that prioritise authenticity over commercial weight.