- By Swati Singh
- Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:58 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Deepika Padukone's recent exits from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD have sparked intense discussion about work-life balance in the film industry. In Kalki 2898 AD, Deepika's exit was attributed to the project's demand for a "higher level of commitment". According to reports, Deepika had requested a 25 per cent increase in her acting fee, a 7-hour shooting schedule, 5-star stays for her 25-person crew, and other demands that the makers weren't willing to accommodate. The actress has now seemingly addressed the controversy by raking in the top spot amongst the actors with The Most Popular Titles in 25 years of Indian cinema (2000-2025).
IMDb's report "25 Years of Indian Cinema (2000-2025)" highlights the evolution of the Indian film industry, analyzing the top five movies from each year. Deepika Padukone ranks fourth among actors with the most popular titles, featuring in 10 out of 130 films analyzed. Her consistent presence in top films showcases her impact on Indian cinema.
Deepika Padukone ranked 4th in IMDb's "25 Years of Indian Cinema" report, with 10 notable films under her belt. Shah Rukh Khan topped the list with 20 titles, followed by Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan with 11 titles each.
In an interview, Deepika expressed her determination to challenge industry norms, stating she's never been afraid to ask questions and push boundaries to redefine expectations placed on women in their careers.
She said, "When I began my journey, I was often told how a woman must or is expected to navigate her career in order to be successful. However, from the very beginning, I have never been afraid to ask questions, ruffle feathers, walk a more difficult path and challenge the status quo in order to reshape the mould we have all been expected to fit into."
"The faith my family, fans and collaborators have had in me, has also empowered me to make the choices and decisions that I have, hopefully forever altering the path those after me will tread. IMDb’s Report on 25 Years of Indian Cinema further validates and strengthens my belief that honesty, authenticity and resilience matter and that by being true to your core beliefs with consistency, change is possible," she further added.