The long-delayed Hindi remake of The Intern is moving forward with a significant change in its casting plans. Deepika Padukone, who was originally set to star alongside Amitabh Bachchan, has decided to step
away from her acting role in the project. Instead, she will focus exclusively on producing the film under her banner, KA Productions.
The film, based on the 2015 Hollywood hit starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro, has faced multiple setbacks since KA Productions acquired the rights in 2020. Initially, the senior role was to be played by Rishi Kapoor, but his passing left the project without a lead until Amitabh Bachchan came on board. Despite renewed announcements, filming never began, with the pandemic, Padukone’s maternity break, and shifting schedules pushing production further.
For nearly five years, the project remained on hold despite high-profile talent and strong studio support.
A source close to the development confirmed to Mid-Day that Padukone will now be involved solely as a producer. “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.”
The source added that Padukone is using this shift to expand her creative horizons. “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.”
Speaking about the film in 2020, Deepika had said, “The Intern is an intimate, relationship-driven film, set in and around the workplace; a story that I believe is very relevant to the present-day social and cultural environment. I have been looking for a light, breezy comedy-drama and this story fits in seamlessly. I cannot wait to begin this journey.”
According to Deepika’s 2021 Instagram post, the The Intern remake will be co-produced by Sunil Kheterpal with Warner Brothers India, Ka Productions and Azure Entertainment collaborating on the film. Amit Ravindernath Sharma was to direct the film, which was supposed to release in the summer of 2022.
The Intern has inspired other versions, including a Japanese TV adaptation titled Unicorn Ni Notte in 2022, where Hidetoshi Nishijima played the Robert De Niro role and Mei Nagano took on Anne Hathaway’s character.
