Deepika Padukone has recently addressed controversies surrounding director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's films while also sharing insights into her experiences with motherhood. The actress, who welcomed her daughter Dua with husband Ranveer Singh in September 2024, has been navigating the balance between her career and her new role as a mother.

Padukone's recent remarks come amidst ongoing discussions about Vanga's film, which have been criticised for their portrayal of violence. While Padukone did not directly address the film's content, she emphasized her belief in the audience's ability to discern and make choices about the media they consume. She stated that she is "okay being abused" in the context of artistic expression, trusting viewers to differentiate between reel and real life.

In various interviews and public appearances, Padukone has spoken candidly about how motherhood has influenced her perspective. At the Forbes 30/50 Global Summit in Abu Dhabi, she discussed how becoming a mother has had a profound impact on her and will likely shape her future film choices. She noted that while she has always been selective about her roles, motherhood has added a new layer of consideration, influencing her subconsciously.

Padukone has also spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood with her career. She expressed experiencing "mom guilt" as she prepares to return to work, a sentiment she shared at the WAVES Summit 2025. She is actively seeking advice from other experienced women on managing both her daughter's needs and her professional commitments without feeling guilty. She admitted that since Dua's arrival, her daughter is constantly on her mind and her internet searches often revolve around parenting questions.

The actress recalled an incident where a director commented on her commitment to motherhood after she declined a meeting due to family responsibilities. She questioned whether the remark was a compliment or a jab, underscoring her dedication to prioritizing her role as a mother.

Padukone and Singh chose the name Dua, meaning prayer in Arabic, after observing their daughter's personality. Padukone described the name as "a beautiful summary of what she means to us," reflecting the couple's deep affection for their child.

While Padukone has not announced any new projects immediately following Dua's birth, she was last seen in Singham Again and Kalki 2898 AD. She is reportedly planning to begin work on the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD soon.