Deepika Padukone’s journey with the Kalki franchise seems to be caught in a storm of confusion and speculation. Months after her exit from Kalki 2, new reports suggested that her name had been removed from the end credits of Kalki 2898 AD on OTT platforms. The claim began circulating when a fan shared a post on X, expressing disappointment and calling the move disrespectful to the actor’s contribution to the film.
The fan wrote that film credits represent more than just names, they stand for acknowledgment, accountability and respect. They went on to say that Deepika’s role formed the emotional core of Kalki 2898 AD and removing her name was unfair. The post quickly gained traction, with other users echoing similar sentiments. One even criticised the film’s production house Vyjayanthi Films, accusing them of disrespecting Deepika by allegedly removing her name from the credits.
However, when a news outlet checked the film’s listings across OTT platforms, it was found that Deepika’s name still appeared in the end credits. The reports of her name being removed turned out to be inaccurate, though the incident reignited discussions around her sudden exit from the sequel.
Back in September, Vyjayanthi Films had officially announced on X that Deepika Padukone would not be returning for Kalki 2. The statement explained that after much consideration, both sides decided to part ways as a project of such scale “deserves commitment”. The production house also wished her the best for her future endeavors.
Shortly after the announcement, several media reports claimed that Deepika Padukone’s departure was linked to disagreements over pay and working hours. It was reported that she had requested a 25 percent hike in her fee and preferred a seven-hour workday, terms that reportedly could not be finalised despite negotiations.
Weeks after her exit, Deepika Padukone addressed broader issues surrounding work conditions and pay parity in Bollywood during an interview. Without referring to Kalki directly, she said that she has always chosen to fight her battles quietly and with dignity. She added that while some of her struggles such as standing up for fair pay, have occasionally become public, her approach remains grounded in silence and self-respect.
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