Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone has opened up about the real reason behind walking away from multiple high-paying film offers.

The actor, who recently stepped back from two major projects, said money alone cannot influence her decisions.

Her latest interview has sparked fresh conversations about artistic integrity in the industry. Deepika Padukone recently thrilled fans after revealing that she rejected “big pay cheques” tied to film offers that did not align with her values.

Padukone stressed that the only “non-negotiable” in her career is staying true to herself. “The only non-negotiable is authenticity. Anything that doesn’t feel true to me doesn’t cut it. Sometimes people offer a lot of money and think that’s enough, but it isn’t,” she said.

Her comments quickly gained traction online, with fans praising her commitment to meaningful storytelling and personal values.

Speaking about her evolution over the years, the Padmaavat star admitted that some past decisions make her pause. “Do I sometimes look back and think, ‘What was I thinking?’ Of course. That’s part of learning… But right now, they feel honest,” she added.

Upcoming projects

Despite stepping away from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD, Padukone remains busy with high-profile projects. She is currently working in King alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, and others. The actress is also gearing up for Atlee’s next film, co-starring Allu Arjun.

For those unfamiliar, Padukone recently sparked speculation across social media after exiting Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD. Her new comments now provide clearer context about her decision-making process.