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Deepika Padukone steps back from acting in The Intern to focus on producing and teaches us a lesson in career reinvention
Deepika Padukone exits The Intern as lead actress to focus on producing
When The Intern first charmed audiences in 2015, it wasn’t just a workplace comedy, it was a gentle manifesto on the art of staying relevant, finding joy in your craft, and the quiet power of collaboration across generations. Now, with the much-awaited Hindi remake back in the spotlight, life seems to be imitating art in more ways than one.
Deepika Padukone’s recent move stepping away from acting in the film to focus on her role as producer has turned the project into an even richer metaphor for career reinvention. In doing so, she’s rewritten her own script, choosing a role behind the camera that reflects both a personal and professional evolution. It’s a reminder that in today’s career landscape, power is not only about being seen, but also about shaping the vision from behind the scenes.
On-Screen: The Beauty of Intergenerational Collaboration
In the original film, Anne Hathaway’s millennial entrepreneur learns to slow down, listen, and lean on the perspective of Robert De Niro’s seasoned intern. It’s a dynamic rooted not in hierarchy, but in mutual respect, a partnership where experience and innovation meet. The Hindi version, with Amitabh Bachchan in the mentor role, promised a similar alchemy: the gravitas of wisdom blending seamlessly with youthful ambition.
Off-Screen: The Elegance of Reinvention
Deepika’s decision to pivot from actor to producer is less about stepping back and more about stepping deeper into her creative power. By curating stories that resonate globally and reflect her evolving sensibilities, she’s proving that career progression isn’t always a vertical climb, sometimes, it’s a graceful lateral move that opens unexpected doors.
The takeaway: At any stage in your career, ask yourself if your current role excites you. If the answer is no, have the courage to redirect your energy towards something that does.
Finding Joy in What You Do
In The Intern, the lesson is clear: work is not just about output, but about the connections, learning, and joy it brings. Deepika’s off-screen pivot mirrors this prioritising meaningful projects over mere visibility. In a post-pandemic reality where burnout is all too common, this choice feels both modern and necessary.
The takeaway: The ultimate luxury in work and life is the freedom to choose projects that bring you joy and align with your values.
From the cinematic charm of The Intern to Deepika Padukone’s own behind-the-scenes reinvention, the through-line is clear: success is not static. Whether you’re taking on a new role, collaborating across generations, or simply pausing to reassess your goals, the art lies in embracing change with style, intention, and grace.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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