Deepika Padukone has spoken out on the lack of diversity among performers in Hollywood, claiming that the discussion is only on the surface. The performer reacted to a question about how she aims to priorities diversity in her Hollywood ventures in a recent interview. Deepika Padukone made her Hollywood debut in 2017 with xXx: Return of Xander Cage. She revealed her new initiative in August of last year.
xXx: Return of Xander Cage is an action thriller directed by DJ Caruso. F Scott Frazier is the author. Donnie Yen, Kris Wu, Ruby Rose, Tony Jaa, Nina Dobrev, Toni Collette, Ariadna Gutierrez, Hermione Corfield, and Samuel L Jackson also feature in the film.
“Right now, the discourse about diversity in Hollywood is surface-level,” Deepika said in an interview with Vogue India regarding the industry. It’s deemed ‘diversity casting’ the moment you cast a Black or Asian actor. However, we still have a long way to go before we see significant progress. I have the impression that 80% of those in positions of power still regard inclusive casting as a checkbox to be checked. Without a question, there are many who sincerely want to alter the tide, but they are doing so incorrectly. It’s a process of learning, and I’m hoping it’s a sincere one.
Deepika was asked about her Hollywood project in February of this year. “Too early in the game to be talking about that at this moment,” the actor told Bollywood Hungama. Four and a half years after starring in Vin Diesel’s xXx: Return of Xander Cage, the actor unveiled the project. Deepika has secured a deal with Eros STX Global Corporations’ STXfilms for a cross-cultural love comedy.
Deepika will not only star in the film, but her production company, Ka Productions, will also produce it. Deepika had stated in a statement, “Ka Productions was established with the goal of creating and distributing purposeful content with a worldwide audience. I’m ecstatic to be working with STXfilms and Temple Hill Productions, who share Ka’s passion and creative vision and are excited to tell compelling and exciting cross-cultural stories.”
Deepika was most recently seen in Shakun Batra’s Gehraiyaan. Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday, Dhairya Karwa, Rajat Kapoor, and Naseeruddin Shah also feature in the film.
Deepika will next be seen in Pathaan with Shah Rukh Khan and John Abraham. Nag Ashwin’s Project K, in which she stars with Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Disha Patani, is also in the works. The actor will star with Hrithik Roshan and Anil Kapoor in the film Fighter.
