The Hindi adaptation of Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro’s 2015 drama-comedy The Intern, which was being headlined Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone, will now only have the former as Deepika has stepped away from acting in the film. She, however, will still be serving as the film’s producer and a new leading lady will be cast for her role, stated a report in mid-day.
Deepika’s KA Productions had acquired the rights of the film-- initially set to star Rishi Kapoor — in 2020. The project, however, faced multiple delays, first due to the senior actor’s passing, then the pandemic, followed by Deepika’s maternity break.
For five years, the film remained in a limbo, despite boasting marquee names and studio backing. A source has now revealed that Deepika will only be backing the film as a producer and will not be starring in it. This time, Deepika will step away from acting in the film to serve solely as a producer, overseeing the creative and logistical reboot. A new leading lady is being cast to play the part she was once slated to perform.”
Apparently, the actor hopes to “explore her career further as a creator”. The source added, “The Intern is the first of five projects she plans to mount in the coming year. She is looking to tell stories that are globally relevant.”
The Intern (2015) is about a retired widower (De Niro) who joins a Brooklyn fashion startup as a senior intern, forming an unlikely bond with the young founder (Hathaway) while helping her navigate business pressures and personal struggles.
The film got a Japanese remake as the TV show Unicorn Ni Notte in 2022. While Hidetoshi Nishijima played De Niro’s role, Mei Nagano stepped into Hathaway’s part.
