a fresh search is underway to cast a new leading lady.
Deepika Padukone will no longer play the female lead in the Hindi adaptation of the 2015 Hollywood film The Intern.
After remaining attached to the project for nearly five years, she has decided to step back from acting entirely.
Instead, Deepika will focus solely on producing the remake under her KA Productions banner, overseeing its creative and logistical execution.
The Hindi version was initially planned with Deepika Padukone starring alongside Rishi Kapoor, but his passing altered the casting process significantly.
Following his death, Amitabh Bachchan was brought on board.
Now, according to reports, a fresh search is underway to cast a new leading lady.
It is believed that The Intern will be the first of five films Deepika Padukone aims to produce in 2025.
She has reportedly expressed an interest in backing stories with themes she believes can resonate with audiences worldwide.
The actress was last seen in the 2024 Diwali release Singham Again, which marked her return to the big screen after motherhood.
Her decision comes months after she walked away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, starring Prabhas, over reported creative differences.
Her exit from Spirit was allegedly linked to conditions including an eight-hour workday, profit sharing, and substantial pay.
Reports also claimed she declined to speak her lines in Telugu for the film, leading to her replacement by Triptii Dimri.
Speculation later emerged suggesting Deepika might also step back from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel due to similar scheduling and workload preferences.
These rumours hinted that her reduced availability after becoming a mother might result in her role being cut or recast.
Sources close to Kalki 2, however, denied any fallout, stating the film remains in development without significant shooting underway.
Padukone welcomed her daughter Dua with Ranveer Singh in September 2024, which has reportedly influenced her professional priorities.
Her shift from acting to producing in The Intern is seen by many as part of a broader career realignment.
The Hollywood original, which starred Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway, explored themes of mentorship, career reinvention, and intergenerational friendship.
While no official announcement has been made regarding the new female lead, industry insiders expect casting decisions in the coming months.
For now, The Intern signals Deepika Padukone’s deepening interest in creating globally relevant cinema behind the scenes.
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