After years of anticipation, the Hindi remake of the 2015 Hollywood hit The Intern is finally back on track. However, there’s a major change — Deepika Padukone, who was earlier set to star alongside Amitabh Bachchan, will now be involved only as a producer.
According to a report by Mid-Day, Padukone has opted out of the lead role to focus on the production side through her banner KA Productions. A source revealed, “Deepika will serve solely as a producer, overseeing the creative and logistical reboot. A new leading lady is currently being cast.”
Expanding Creative Horizons
The decision reflects Padukone’s larger plans to grow as a content creator. “The Intern is the first of five projects she intends to mount in the coming year. She’s focusing on stories with global relevance,” the source added.
Padukone had previously expressed her excitement about the story, calling it “an intimate, relationship-driven film set in the workplace,” and said it was the kind of light, breezy drama she had been looking for.
From Rishi Kapoor to Amitabh Bachchan
Initially announced in 2020, the project faced delays due to the pandemic, Padukone’s maternity leave, and scheduling issues. The senior role was originally meant for Rishi Kapoor, but after his passing, Amitabh Bachchan came on board.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone’s Mehendi Bill Revealed: You Won’t Believe How Much She Spent!
The film will be directed by Amit Ravindernath Sharma and co-produced by Sunil Kheterpal, Warner Bros. India, KA Productions, and Azure Entertainment.
A Story That Transcends Borders
Based on the Anne Hathaway–Robert De Niro starrer, the Hindi adaptation adds to a growing list of remakes. Notably, Japan released its own version in 2022 — Unicorn Ni Notte — starring Hidetoshi Nishijima and Mei Nagano.
