Deepika Padukone has been in the news after it was confirmed that she will not be a part of Kalki 2, the sequel to Prabhas-starrer Kalki 2898 AD. The official announcement from Vyjayanthi Movies stated that both the parties decided to part ways after discussions, adding that a film of such scale requires full commitment. The production house also wished Deepika success in her future projects. Earlier this year, she also stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, a move that surprised many of her fans.
Reports have suggested that her decision to limit workdays to eight hours along with her high salary and demand for profit sharing did not align with the expectations of the filmmakers. While these reports have never been confirmed by the actress herself, the discussion has remained a talking point within the industry.
Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan recently referenced the same in a lighthearted way during her vlog. Visiting actor Rohit Saraf’s home with her cook, she engaged in a playful conversation where she quipped about how quickly Deepika Padukone usually responds compared to others. When asked by her cook about Deepika’s appearance on their show, Farah humorously remarked that the actress now restricts her work to shorter hours and therefore may not find the time. The exchange, though clearly said in jest, was interpreted as a subtle dig at Deepika’s alleged work-hour clause.
The video shows Farah’s cook Dilip asking, “Deepika Padukone ma’am kab aayengi humare show mein?” (When will Deepika ma’am come to our show) and Farah responded with, “Jiss din tu gaon jaayega naa uss din aayegi” (the day you go to your village). Farah further went on to say, “Deepika Padukone ab sirf 8 ghanta shoot karti hai, usko show pe aane ka time nahi hai” (She now shoots only for 8 hours, she doesn’t have time to come to our show).
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The actress, who welcomed her daughter Dua in September 2024, has reportedly been focused on striking a balance between her professional commitments and personal life. According to reports, her decision to reduce working hours stems from her desire to spend more time with her newborn while continuing to pursue selected projects.
Deepika Padukone professional journey has seen major changes in recent months. After walking away from Spirit, the confirmation of her departure from Kalki 2 added to speculation about her choices. The statement from the production house emphasised that despite the long association during the making of the first film, both the sides felt it was best to move forward separately.
While her exits from big-ticket projects may have surprised fans, Deepika Padukone remains one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stars. With her focus shifting to balancing motherhood and work, audiences are now waiting to see what her next big project will be.
Will Deepika Padukone choose to react or remain silent?
