Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone, one of the industry’s most acclaimed actors, recently shared candid reflections on her career and the guiding principles behind her film choices.

The 38-year-old actress revealed, “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.”

Deepika admitted that achieving clarity in decision-making wasn’t always easy. “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,” she explained.

The Padmaavat star currently has two major films lined up. She will appear in a supporting role in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action drama, King, directed by Siddharth Anand, alongside Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji, with its release planned for April 2026.

Additionally, Deepika is set to collaborate with director Atlee on his untitled Allu Arjun project, tentatively titled AA22xA6, scheduled for release in 2027.

This rare confession by Deepika Padukone underscores her dedication to choosing projects that align with her personal values, emphasizing authenticity over mere commercial gain, while continuing to deliver performances that resonate with audiences worldwide.