Deepika says her choices are driven by 'authenticity,' not profit
What's the story
Deepika Padukone, one of Bollywood's most successful actors, recently spoke to Harper's Bazaar about her evolving definition of success and her commitment to authenticity in her work. The actor said that while fame and wealth may have defined success when she was younger, today it means physical and emotional well-being.
Success redefined
'Time is our greatest currency...'
Padukone said, "When you're young, success is always about fame and wealth. You see people living a certain lifestyle and think that's what success looks like." "As you grow older, that definition shifts." "For me today, success is physical and emotional well-being. Time is our greatest currency, how I spend it, who I spend it with, and having the freedom to decide that."
Career focus
'What excites me is the ability to enable storytelling'
Padukone also spoke about her current focus in her career. She said, "At this stage in my life, what excites me is the ability to enable storytelling. To give technicians and creators a platform." "If I have an idea, I can find writers or collaborate with someone new and bring it to life." "Every few days, someone wants to meet or narrate an idea, and I'm open to everyone because you never know where it might lead."
Project selection
'The only non-negotiable is authenticity'
Padukone also revealed her criteria for choosing projects. She said, "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." "It's not about the ₹100-crore films or even the ₹500-₹600 crore ones."
Reflection
'I've reached that clarity now'
Padukone admitted that while she is clear about her choices now, it hasn't always been the case. She said, "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." Padukone is currently working on Shah Rukh Khan's multistarrer, King.