Deepika Padukone on Authenticity, Motherhood, and Challenging the Status Quo

Actor Deepika Padukone recently spoke about her commitment to honesty and authenticity in an interview with CNBC-TV18. She emphasized her willingness to challenge societal norms and age-old systems, even if it means disagreement or conflict.

“This deep need to be ridiculously honest and authentic, even if it means I make mistakes… I’m basically okay with conflict. I’m okay with dealing with conflict. I’m okay with ruffling feathers,” she said.

Challenging the Status Quo

Padukone stated she has always been willing to challenge established norms:

“If I can see that something can be different or better, even if there are systems that are age-old, I’m okay to ruffle those feathers I’m okay being abused at. I can very easily cut out the noise.”

Motherhood and Personal Growth

Deepika reflected on how motherhood has pushed her out of her comfort zone, helping her become more social and patient. She said:

“Having to interact with other parents, and now playschool… Motherhood just pushes you out of your comfort zone in a good way. I’ve always wanted to be a mother, and now I’m playing my best role.”

She welcomed baby girl Dua Padukone Singh with husband Ranveer Singh last year.

Simple Approach to Well-Being

Padukone emphasized basics over trends in health and fitness:

• Quality sleep

• Hydration

• Nutrition (simple Indian meals)

• Exercise

“These things are important. They don’t sound as fancy as cryotherapy or ice baths, but it's all about going back to the basics.”

Her health routine was influenced by her athletic background and experiences with anxiety and depression.

Digital Use and Decluttering

She also discussed her mindful use of technology, stating she can spend hours away from her devices and that decluttering her space helps clear her mind.

Industry Reforms and Work-Life Balance

Padukone highlighted the ongoing debate about eight-hour shifts for new mothers and welcomed measures to support working mothers. She recently stepped back from films like Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD to prioritize her daughter and well-being.

Her next project is King, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan.