Actress shifts to behind-the-camera role as long-delayed Hindi adaptation undergoes creative reboot
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has made a significant career move by stepping away from her acting role in the highly anticipated Hindi remake of "The Intern." The actress, who was originally set to star alongside Amitabh Bachchan in the project, will now focus exclusively on producing the film under her banner, KA Productions.
The decision marks what industry sources describe as a "creative and logistical reboot" for the project, which has faced numerous delays since its initial announcement in 2021. Originally planned for a quick turnaround with a 2022 release, the film has encountered multiple setbacks, including the pandemic, casting changes, and Padukone's recent maternity break following the birth of her daughter Dua in September 2024.
With Padukone's transition to a producer-only role, the filmmakers are now actively casting for a new female lead to take on the part originally meant for the "Pathaan" actress. The role was inspired by Anne Hathaway's character in the 2015 Hollywood original, where she played a fashion startup founder who hires a senior intern played by Robert De Niro.
"This time, Deepika will step away from acting in the film to serve solely as a producer, overseeing the creative and logistical reboot," a source close to the production revealed. "A new leading lady is being cast to play the part she was once slated to perform."
The move reflects Padukone's evolving ambitions in the entertainment industry. According to reports, "The Intern" represents the first of five projects she plans to mount in the coming year, with a focus on telling "globally relevant stories."
This strategic shift comes at a time when Padukone is expanding her creative horizons beyond acting. The decision aligns with her vision of developing content that resonates with international audiences while maintaining her roots in Indian cinema.
The Hindi adaptation has had a tumultuous journey since KA Productions acquired the rights in 2020. Initially, veteran actor Rishi Kapoor was set to play the senior intern role, but his untimely passing in 2020 left the project searching for a new lead. Amitabh Bachchan eventually came on board to fill the role, bringing his gravitas to the heartwarming story.
The original 2015 film, directed by Nancy Meyers, was praised for its warm portrayal of intergenerational friendship and workplace dynamics. The story has already seen international adaptations, including a Japanese TV version titled "Unicorn Ni Notte" in 2022.
Despite stepping back from "The Intern," Padukone maintains a busy acting schedule. She is set to reunite with director Atlee following their successful collaboration on "Jawan" and reportedly has a key role in Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film "King."
The actress was last seen in multiple 2024 releases including "Fighter," "Singham Again," and "Kalki 2898 AD," establishing her continued prominence in Bollywood's A-list circle.
As the search for her replacement continues, fans and industry watchers will be keen to see how this creative reboot shapes the final product of this long-awaited adaptation.
