Deepika Padukone looked back at her 18-year career with honesty and introspection. While she has headlined some of the country’s biggest blockbusters, from her debut in ‘Om Shanti Om’ to the pan-India hit ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, the actor says not every project has been a success, and some choices do come with regret.
In a recent conversation, she acknowledged that she does “sometimes look back at some of her choices with regret,” offering a rare glimpse into her thought process as she navigates her evolution as an artist.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, Deepika opened up about what 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 admitted that this clarity is something she has arrived at over time, not something she always possessed. “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,” added Deepika.
Looking ahead, the star has two major films lined up. She will be seen next in ‘King’, starring Shah Rukh Khan and directed by Siddharth Anand. The film also features Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji, and is slated for release in April 2026.
Deepika will then join forces with director Atlee for his upcoming project with Allu Arjun, currently referred to as ‘AA22xA6’ – scheduled to release in 2027.
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