Deepika Padukone says she’s drawn to the larger narrative of a film rather than her role
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; February 7, 2020)

Very few actors have managed to carve out a career like Deepika Padukone has. In a span of 13 years, she’s made her way to the top. But what makes her stand out is that she’s a producer, too, who’s backing films that aren’t run-of-the-mill. We caught up with the 34-year-old actor to talk about her upcoming films. Excerpts:

After a few emotionally and physically draining films, you return to the light-hearted zone with Shakun Batra’s next. Was it a much-needed breather?
To be honest, you can’t call Shakun’s film ‘light’ either... Although, the overall tonality of the film is a bit lighter than my last film, in terms of the emotional turmoil my character goes through, it’s still challenging. The genre of the film is something we haven’t seen much in Indian cinema. It’s called domestic noir. I don’t think that’s a genre we’re very familiar with, but at the same time, the audience is ready for it, as we have been exposed to it through Hollywood films or OTT platforms. Shakun has this strong point with people and relationships. As an audience/ actor I have enjoyed watching and performing these sort of films, whether it’s Piku (2015) or Tamasha (2015) or Love Aaj Kal (2009) — films that deal with intricate human relationships.

A common thing in many of your films is you always play the titular role, right from Ram Leela (2013), to your upcoming film Draupadi. Has it been a conscious choice?
No! These films find me, I don’t go looking for them. Neither is it a criteria when I choose films. I look at it as a story. I don’t actively seek these parts. I need to be drawn to the larger narrative first, before I even think what my contribution to a film can be. I guess it’s just organic that they are happening.

You’ve announced your next production, a Hindi remake of The Intern (2015). What made you go for this official adaptation?
When I saw the original, it came across as something that’ll be endearing, light-hearted and relatable. The theme of the film is universal. India is one of the youngest countries in the world. With the youth, the way people work today, our ideologies… we are very different from the older generation. This movie threw light on how this slightly older person comes into our life. In our culture, we have it in a different way. We have had uncles, aunties, grandparents who give you that old-world grounding and rooting we all need as we progress in this new age world. And we have this elderly person who has this knowledge and experience, but he is not being able to keep up with the digital age. It’s a beautiful, relevant story between two generations.

You recently featured in the global campaign of an international luxury brand. Was there pressure since you represented India?
I didn’t think of it like that. The brand would be better equipped to answer why they thought of me. It’s not only exciting, but an absolute privilege as these opportunities don’t present themselves very often. I appreciate the fact that somewhere in my journey of authenticity and honesty, I am being able to collaborate with iconic brands.