Bollywood star Deepika Padukone recently shared a candid reflection on her 18-year career, highlighting both the triumphs and the lessons learned from less successful projects. From her debut in Om Shanti Om to the pan-India blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, Deepika has seen it all, but admits that not every project worked out as planned.
“I sometimes look back at some of my choices with regret,” Deepika told Harper’s Bazaar India, providing a rare insight into her artistic journey and evolving thought process.
Choosing Films with Authenticity
Deepika emphasized that authenticity guides her decisions today.
“The only non-negotiable is authenticity. Anything that doesn’t feel true to me doesn’t cut. 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 said.
She acknowledged that such clarity didn’t come overnight.
“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.”
Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Deepika has two major films lined up. She will star in King, alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film is slated for release in April 2026.
Following that, she will collaborate with director Atlee on his upcoming project with Allu Arjun, currently titled AA22xA6, which is expected to release in 2027.
Deepika’s reflections highlight her growth as an artist who values purpose over commercial gain, a mindset that has shaped her career choices and continues to influence her path in the industry.
