Mumbai, Nov 19 : Deepika Padukone’s 2025 journey has been nothing short of dramatic a year marked by major film exits, surprising announcements, and a noticeable shift in her personal and professional priorities. Once the face of some of India’s biggest productions, the actress now says that box-office milestones, even the massive ₹500–600 crore ones, no longer hold meaning for her.
In a new interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, Deepika spoke candidly about what’s driving her choices today.
“Honestly, how much more fame, how much more success, how much more money?” she said. “At this stage, it’s not about that anymore. It’s not about the ₹100-crore films, or even the ₹500-₹600 crore ones.”
When the interviewer pointed out that she had already achieved all these benchmarks, Deepika smiled and simply added,
“And that doesn’t excite me anymore.”
What Deepika Wants Now: Empowering New Talent
Instead of chasing massive budgets or record-breaking numbers, Deepika says her vision has evolved.
“What excites me is empowering other talent,” she said. “My team and I are focused on enabling storytelling and supporting creative minds — writers, directors, even new producers. That’s what feels meaningful to me now.”
Why She Walked Out of ‘Spirit’ and ‘Kalki’ Sequel
Her comments come after a year filled with speculation about her exit from high-profile films.
‘Spirit’ — Reports claimed she walked out after requesting an 8-hour workday following motherhood and setting certain conditions. She was later replaced by Triptii Dimri.
‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Sequel — Despite the first film becoming one of 2024’s biggest blockbusters, the studio decided to continue the franchise without her.
Both developments sparked intense online debate, but Deepika’s latest interview makes it clear: she is choosing meaningful projects over massive ones.
What’s Next for Deepika Padukone
Though she stepped away from some major films, Deepika’s slate remains strong:
‘King’ (2026) — Reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan under director Siddharth Anand; also stars Suhana Khan.
Atlee’s next with Allu Arjun (2027) — Currently referred to as AA22xA6, one of the most awaited pan-India collaborations.
As Deepika transitions into a new creative phase, one thing is clear — she’s no longer chasing numbers; she’s creating a legacy.