Deepika Padukone on being one of Bollywood’s highest-paid actresses: Hope we don’t have to talk about it

Deepika Padukone, who made her Bollywood debut in 2007 with Om Shanti Om, has cemented herself as one of the most influential and highest-paid actresses in the industry. However, the actress recently shared her thoughts on this title, hoping for a future where it no longer needs to be emphasised.

In a recent interview with Forbes, Deepika reacted to the label of being "one of Bollywood’s highest-paid actresses." She stated, “I mean, I hope we can get to a day where we don’t have to talk about it. The fact that we have to highlight or underline that I’m the highest paid… Hopefully, we’re getting there.”

Her statement comes at a time when there are conversation about gender pay gaps in the film industry and the progress toward equal opportunities for women in Bollywood.

Deepika also opened up about her early years and career aspirations. Coming from a family of athletes, she recalled watching very few movies while growing up. However, whenever she did watch a film in a theater, she felt drawn to the world of cinema. She shared that seeing powerful female leads on screen inspired her, making her believe that she belonged in that space.