(Image source from: Instagram.com/deepikapadukone)
Actor Deepika Padukone is all about being real. This is clear from a part of her latest interview. In the discussion, she stressed that the decisions she makes in her personal life and career come from a place of truthfulness and real connections. If something doesn’t feel genuine, she chooses to avoid it. While talking to Harper’s Bazaar India, Padukone noted that even though she has received huge offers for films in the past, she has focused on making choices that truly reflect who she is. When she was asked about what she won't compromise on at work, she answered, "The only thing I won’t compromise on is being real. Anything that doesn’t resonate with me isn't worth it. Sometimes people think that a big paycheck is enough, but it isn’t. On the flip side, some projects might not be big money-makers, but if I believe in the team or the message, I will support it."
She mentioned that this understanding didn't develop overnight. The actress admitted that she might have had similar feelings before, but it is her experiences that have strengthened her beliefs. "Was I always this certain? Possibly not. But I have gained that certainty now. Do I ever look back and think, ‘What was I thinking?’ Absolutely. That’s part of growing. Maybe in ten years, I’ll question some of the choices I made today. But for now, they feel true," she shared. A crucial aspect of being true to oneself, Padukone pointed out, is to stop copying others. For Deepika, recognized worldwide as a modern Indian symbol, being genuine is especially important, particularly when showcasing India internationally. When she was asked what being a "global Indian" means to her, she replied, "It’s quite simple: to embrace our roots, our culture, and our heritage. For a long time, we Indians have been heavily influenced by other countries. I've always wondered about that. Why are we following what's happening elsewhere instead of leading?"
The actor highlighted the importance of openly expressing one's cultural identity, particularly in a society heavily influenced by popular fads and continuous transformation. She stated, "As a performer, I never understood why we must alter ourselves to suit others' preferences. If films and artists from other regions are globally accepted, why should we water ourselves down? I believe this shows a lack of understanding from others, not a flaw in us." She further explained, "To me, being a 'global Indian' means being proud of our identity, not being sorry for it, and sharing that with the world." During the same discussion, Padukone also discussed the current discussion regarding mandating eight-hour workdays for women, especially new mothers, to improve their work-life balance.
"We've made overworking seem normal. We confuse exhaustion with dedication. Eight hours of work daily is sufficient for a person's body and mind. You can only perform your best when you are healthy. Bringing an exhausted person back to work doesn't help anyone. In my own workplace, we work eight hours a day, from Monday to Friday. We have policies for new parents. We should make it normal to bring children to work," she said.
She is getting ready for her new movie 'King', which also features Shah Rukh Khan. Siddharth Anand is directing the film, and it will be her sixth big movie with SRK. She first acted with him in Bollywood in 2007 in 'Om Shanti Om'.
