Deepika Padukone, one of the leading actresses of Bollywood, is once again at the centre of speculation regarding her participation in upcoming high-profile projects. Mere days after reports emerged that she had been removed from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit, similar rumours are now surfacing around her involvement in Kalki 2, where she stars opposite Prabhas.
According to reports circulating on entertainment platforms, including an Instagram page, Deepika Padukone’s recent adjustment to motherhood may be influencing her professional commitments. Her request for reduced work hours has reportedly led to friction during the pre-production phase of Kalki 2. While there has been no official statement from the filmmakers, insiders suggest that her role may either be significantly scaled down or removed entirely.
This follows closely on the heels of her departure from Spirit, a film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Her exit from that project also appears to have been prompted by similar demands. Sources indicate that Deepika Padukone had requested limited working hours, reportedly not more than eight hours per day alongside a substantial salary and a share of the film’s profits. These conditions were allegedly not well-received by the director who reportedly felt they compromised the creative and logistical flow of his project.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga didn’t remain silent on the matter. Taking to the micro-blogging site X, he made a strongly worded post condemning what he described as “dirty PR games”. Without naming Deepika Padukone directly, his remarks were pointed and critical, accusing an unnamed actor of breaching an implicit confidentiality by discussing internal matters publicly. He claimed that this behaviour undermined younger actors and distorted the narrative around his creative efforts.
In the wake of this casting shakeup, it has been officially confirmed that actress Triptii Dimri will take over the female lead in Spirit. Triptii Dimri, who garnered attention for her performance in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s recent blockbuster Animal, shared the news on social media. Posting the film’s title artwork in multiple languages, she expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the director’s vision, calling the opportunity “an honour”.
While no formal announcements have been made regarding Deepika Padukone’s status in Kalki 2, the ongoing rumours reflect a larger conversation about the evolving roles and responsibilities of actors balancing personal life with industry demands. As Deepika adjusts to new phases of life, her choices continue to influence how leading female stars navigate power, time and creative autonomy in today’s Bollywood landscape.
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