Deepika Padukone to back off from acting in The Intern remake, takes charge as producer: Report

But now, almost five years later, with little progress made on the project and only sporadic updates, fresh rumours indicate Padukone won't be in the movie anymore.

Deepika Padukone was initially set to both act in and produce the Bollywood remake of the English film The Intern, which was first announced in 2021. At the time, the plan was to execute a quick turnaround and release the film the following year.

But now, almost five years later, with little progress made on the project and only sporadic updates, fresh rumours indicate Padukone won't be in the movie anymore.

Rather, she will be the sole producer, leading what is being called a "creative and logistical reboot" of the business. According to a report by Mid-Day, “This time, Deepika will step away from acting in the film to serve solely as a producer, overseeing the creative and logistical reboot. A new leading lady is being cast to play the part she was once slated to perform.”

The production will now proceed fully under Padukone's direction as producer, and casting for the new female lead is already under way. According to the same report, this choice represents a more significant change in her professional path.

“The Intern is the first of five projects she plans to mount in the coming year. She is looking to tell stories that are globally relevant,” the source added.

Nancy Meyers directed the 2015 original The Intern, which starred Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. The touching tale, which revolves around a senior intern at a fashion start-up, has already been adapted. In 2022, Hidetoshi Nishijima and Mei Nagano starred in the Japanese adaptation, Unicorn Ni Notte.

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Meanwhile, Padukone reportedly remains committed to other high-profile projects, including King alongside Shah Rukh Khan, and an upcoming Telugu film directed by Atlee, where she will star opposite Allu Arjun.