On Tuesday, IMDb released a special report celebrating 25 years of Indian cinema from 2000 to 2025, highlighting the most popular films and actors. According to the report, Deepika Padukone ranks fourth among actors with the most notable titles. Out of a total of 130 films reviewed, she appeared in 10, surpassing renowned stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, and Alia Bhatt. Shah Rukh Khan topped the list with 20 titles, while Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan followed closely with 11 each.
In response to this recognition, Deepika reflected on her career journey, especially in light of recent controversies regarding her departure from projects like Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD. She expressed how, from the start, she challenged the norms of how women should manage their careers. “I wasn’t afraid to ask questions and take a tougher route to change the expectations placed on us,” she said.
Deepika, who welcomed her first child with Ranveer Singh in 2024, noted that the support from her family, fans, and collaborators has allowed her to make bold choices that could pave the way for others. She emphasized that honesty and resilience are key in achieving real change.
Her comments came amidst ongoing discussions about her exit from major films. Recently, it was announced that she would no longer be involved in Kalki 2, due to challenges in partnership during the film’s development. Earlier this year, she reportedly stepped away from Spirit over demands for an 8-hour workday and other conditions that didn’t align with the filmmakers’ expectations.
On a brighter note, she has just announced a new project alongside Shah Rukh Khan in King, which will also feature his daughter, Suhana Khan.
