Deepika Padukone: After speaking out on pregnancy talk, xXx star prepares for NEW film

The Bollywood megastar – who crossed over to Hollywood with xXx: Return of Xander Cage – is set to play a real-life acid attack survivor in Chhapaak, which she will also produce. Not only is it her first film since the much-discussed Padmaavat, it is also her first since tying the knot to Ranveer Singh. Just recently, she spoke out to slam the constant questions newly married women are asked about plans to get pregnant and start a family.

Now, it’s back to focussing on her work.

According to Hindustan Times, the star is making sure she’s as prepared as possible to play Laxmi Agarwal on the big screen.

“Deepika first searched websites to learn how the [acid attack] survivors were affected,” a source told the Indian publication.

“She is also looking up all available material on the internet about Laxmi to thoroughly research her life.

“In fact, Laxmi herself has been very supportive, even sharing material on her journey that is not available anywhere else or is not yet out in the public domain.

“Deepika was also provided DVDs and pen drives, containing material about 10 survivors, by the makers of the project. The actor is making sure that every detail is in place.”

Padukone is also believed to be heading back to Hollywood for xXx 4, although the exact dates of that project remain unclear.

When slamming pregnancy speculation, the 33-year-old said simply: “It will happen when it has to happen.”

She added: “Motherhood trumps being married. That’s what I hear from people who have had children.

“Of course, it will happen at some point but no, I think it is unfair to put women through that, to put a couple through that.

“I guess the day we stop asking the questions is when we will bring about change.”

Chhapaak does not currently have a release date.