Ram Gopal Varma recently described the uproar surrounding Deepika Padukone’s reported departure from the film Spirit as exaggerated. The dispute emerged when Padukone apparently left the project citing disagreements over fixed working hours, reigniting a wider discussion about the demands placed on actors in Bollywood. Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas alongside Triptii Dimri, is slated for a 2027 release.
Perspectives on Fixed Working Hours in Bollywood
Among Bollywood’s influential voices, Ram Gopal Varma and Sandeep Reddy Vanga have both made significant contributions as filmmakers. Varma openly shared his views following reports that Deepika Padukone withdrew from Spirit after requesting certain working conditions. His reaction highlighted the nature of negotiations behind working hours between actors and directors.
Addressing the issue in an interview with Hindustan Times, Varma said,
“When it comes to having fixed shift timings for actors, I really think that it is an agreement between two people. Each of them has a right to say what they want, and the other one has a right to refuse.”
—Ram Gopal Varma, Filmmaker
He further emphasized the personal choice involved, stating,
“The whole thing (between Deepika and Sandeep) was a very exaggerated thing in my opinion. Because I can say, I want to work for 23 hours, and the actor can say I want to work only for one hour. That’s their call. But how can one human being force another human being to do something? And they can agree to work or not work with each other… But that thing was just kind of blown up in the media.”
—Ram Gopal Varma, Filmmaker
The Current Status of Spirit and Future Projects
The film Spirit now features Prabhas and Triptii Dimri as its leads, stepping into roles after Deepika Padukone’s exit. The project remains highly anticipated, as Sandeep Reddy Vanga is known for his successful movies like Kabir Singh and Animal. After wrapping up Spirit, Vanga plans to begin working on another film titled Animal Park, which stars Ranbir Kapoor.
Implications for Bollywood’s Work Culture Debate
This controversy spotlights the ongoing tension in the Indian film industry regarding actors’ work schedules and the negotiation of their commitments. Ram Gopal Varma’s comments underline the importance of mutual agreement rather than rigid imposition of working hours. The resolution of such conflicts may influence how future projects set expectations around work-life balance for performers and filmmakers alike.
With Spirit’s release planned for 2027, the film industry will closely watch how discussions about working conditions evolve and shape collaboration dynamics between actors and directors going forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Deepika Padukone have IVF?
A. Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has talked about her battle with this condition. She faced many IVF setbacks and then tried yoga, acupuncture, and holistic healing for relief.
Q. Is Deepika Padukone IVF?
A. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh initially tried to have a baby on their own, but it didn’t work. They then chose to try IVF. After several unsuccessful rounds, Deepika finally gave birth to their beloved daughter.
Q. Did Deepika Padukone IVF?
A. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh welcomed a baby girl after Deepika faced several IVF setbacks.
She shared how practices like Acupuncture, Ayurveda, and Yoga greatly helped her move from infertility to having a child.
