Deepika Padukone reveals why she has not been doing a rom-com: 'Very few producers backing that kind of content'

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone turned 40 on Monday, January 5. She hosted a pre-birthday celebration with her fans, which included a cake-cutting ceremony and a meet-and-greet event where she answered fan questions. At the event, fans expressed interest in seeing her in a romantic comedy. Deepika said that while she and her team are scouting for scripts in the genre, not many producers are currently backing rom-coms.

Deepika on rom-coms

In a video from the fan meet, Deepika was asked when she would be seen in a rom-com. Responding to the question, the actress said, "I really hope very, very soon. As you all know, it is one of my most favourite genres as an audience member and as an actor. I just feel that the climate right now, or the environment, is such that audiences are seeking something else. But if so many of you want a rom-com, I'm sure a large part of the public also wants that."

Fans also shouted the names of actors they would like her to share screen space with in a rom-com, including Hrithik Roshan and Shah Rukh Khan. However, the loudest cheer was for her pairing with husband and actor Ranveer Singh.

She added that while she and her team are constantly looking for strong rom-com scripts, very few producers are backing the genre. "Honestly, this is something my team and I keep looking out for. We are constantly searching for drama, love stories, and rom-coms, but there are very few producers backing that kind of content, or very few writers working on it right now. If you come across an interesting book or material, I'm always happy to look at it," she said.

Deepika Padukone launches the OnSet Program

Continuing her commitment to nurturing authentic storytelling and fresh talent, Deepika announced the launch of The OnSet Program, the next chapter of her Create With Me platform. The initiative aims to empower aspiring creative artists seeking careers in the Indian film, television, and advertising industries, offering them a platform to be "seen, heard, and experienced."

While the program will provide training opportunities to promising talent, it will also serve as a launchpad for individuals with the expertise and experience to lead their own projects. Writing, direction, camera, lighting, editing, sound design, art direction, costume designing, hair styling, make-up artistry, and production are among the departments included in the program's first phase.