Deepika Padukone has finally addressed reports regarding her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. The actress reportedly exited Spirit due to creative and professional differences, including an eight hour work demand and discussions over profit sharing.
Earlier this year it was confirmed that Deepika would no longer be part of the Kalki sequel.
Deepika Speaks Out
In an interview with CNBC-TV18’s Shereen Bhan, Deepika shared her perspective on working conditions and pay equality in Bollywood: “By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as pushy or whatever, then so be it. But it is no secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars, in the Indian Film Industry, have been working for 8 hours for years and it’s never made headlines!”
She continued, “I don’t want to take names now and make this into a whole thing but it is very commonly, publicly known that a lot of male actors have been working for 8 hours a day for years. A lot of them only work for 8 hours Monday to Friday. They do not work on weekends.”
She further added that she has faced such challenges before. “I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me. I think, even as far as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I don’t even know what to call it, but I am someone who has always fought my battles silently. And for some strange reason, sometimes they become public which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles silently and in a dignified way is the way I know.”
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Deepika’s Exit From Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD
Producers of Kalki 2898 AD officially announced her exit from the sequel last month: “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. After careful consideration. We have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”
Reports suggested that Deepika had requested fixed 8 hour work shifts to maintain a balance between work and personal life. She reportedly cited similar concerns while exiting Spirit. The role was later taken over by Triptii Dimri.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga also expressed his frustration on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the situation without naming Deepika, pointing out problems with creative collaboration and confidentiality. Both Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel feature Prabhas in the lead role.
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