In 2019, Deepika Padukone made headlines when she announced her intention to bring the Mahabharata to the big screen through Draupadi perspective. The film was not just another acting project for the star—it was set to be a major production under her own banner, with acclaimed director Nitesh Tiwari at the helm. Deepika, who was to play the titular role, expressed immense excitement for the project, referring to it as the “role of a lifetime” in multiple interviews.
“I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to be essaying the role of Draupadi. I truly believe that it is the role of a lifetime. While the Mahabharata is popularly known for its mythological tales and cultural influence, many of life’s lessons are also derived from the Mahabharata, but most often from its men. Telling it with this fresh and new perspective will not only be interesting but also very significant,” she had said at the time.
The project promised grandeur and a fresh take on an ancient tale. Alongside Deepika Padukone, the film was to be co-produced by Madhu Mantena, who was also reportedly in talks with Hrithik Roshan to play Lord Krishna. A source cited at that time, “Since producer Madhu Mantena is a very close friend of Hrithik’s, he is in talks with the star for the role. Playing Lord Krishna is a welcome challenge for any actor. The logistics are being worked out for Hrithik’s participation.”
Had it materialized, Draupadi would have marked Deepika’s third venture as a producer, following Chhapaak and ‘83. However, the grand vision never made it to the screen. While Hrithik and Deepika did not reunite for Mahabharata, they eventually shared screen space in Fighter, which enjoyed commercial success. Meanwhile, director Nitesh Tiwari shifted his focus to another mythological epic—Ramayana—with Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi stepping into the roles of Ram and Sita.
Though the fate of Deepika’s Draupadi remains uncertain, the idea continues to intrigue fans and filmmakers alike. For now, it remains one of Bollywood’s most talked-about yet unrealized projects.
