Deepika Padukone revealed in a recent interview that she has turned down sizable financial offers because they did not align with her values or creative vision. She stated that money alone is not sufficient for her, explaining that while many assume large amounts are enough, “they are not”.
The actor emphasised that her sole non-negotiable is authenticity. She said that if a role does not feel true to her, no amount of money will make her accept it. She admitted that gaining this clarity took time and that while she may reflect on past choices, she now feels confident in standing by the work she believes in.
Padukone further discussed how she views her identity as a “global Indian”, choosing to honour her roots and bring meaningful content to the forefront rather than chase purely commercial success. She called out the culture of over-work in the industry, suggesting that burnout is often mistaken for commitment and stressing the importance of healthy working conditions.
Her comments shed light on a shift in priorities among leading actors who are increasingly valuing purpose, message and longevity over immediate paydays.
