More than a month after reports emerged about Deepika Padukone’s exit from the highly anticipated cop thriller Spirit, the controversy continues to draw attention across Bollywood. The film, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas, saw a shake-up after Deepika reportedly left due to disagreements over her work hours and contract terms following the birth of her child. This Deepika Padukone Spirit exit controversy has sparked widespread discussions, with filmmakers such as Mani Ratnam and Ajay Devgn expressing their opinions. Recently, director Mohit Suri has shared his insights on the situation while promoting his new film Saiyaara.
Mohit Suri Offers Perspective on Work Conditions and Contract Disputes
Speaking to NDTV, Mohit Suri emphasized the importance of mutual understanding between actors and directors when it comes to filming schedules and workload. He stated,
“Well, to each their own. I think it depends on the kind of budget you’re working with. I don’t think any director wants to make anyone work beyond what’s required. No one’s sadistic enough to unnecessarily torture someone.”
The filmmaker also highlighted the significance of commitment once contracts are signed, adding,
“You have a choice to be a part of something or not. But what I think is unfair is when someone comes in and starts dictating terms after signing on. You knew what the project entailed—the constraints, the realities.”
Details of the Dispute Behind Deepika’s Exit
The controversy originally surfaced in May, when sources revealed that Deepika Padukone decided against continuing with Spirit after disagreements over her shooting schedule and contract adjustments. According to an insider from Bollywood Hungama,
Sandeep Reddy Vanga got the shock of his life when Deepika Padukone refused to shoot for more than 6 hours a day. That’s not all—the actress, via her agency, also began demanding amendments to the contract. Their main concern was that if the shoot extended beyond 100 days, she would need to be compensated for every extra day beyond what was initially agreed upon.
Following her exit, reports confirmed that Triptii Dimri replaced Deepika as the lead actress in Spirit. Triptii, who previously collaborated with Sandeep Reddy Vanga on Animal, is set to star alongside Prabhas in this A-rated cop thriller, as noted by Pinkvilla.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga Responds to Controversy with a Social Media Statement
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga appeared to address the dispute indirectly through a cryptic post on social media. Without naming Deepika, he expressed his disappointment about the breach of trust, writing,
“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work into my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.”
The Broader Implications Within the Film Industry
This disagreement highlights ongoing tensions in Bollywood surrounding actor work conditions, contract negotiations, and the balance between personal commitments and professional demands. The Deepika Padukone Spirit exit controversy brings attention to shifts in expectations within the industry, especially regarding work hours and compensation structures post-parenthood. Mohit Suri’s comments underline the challenges directors face in managing projects while respecting actors’ boundaries, as well as the importance of clarity before joining a film.
As Spirit moves forward with Triptii Dimri in the lead, many industry watchers remain interested in how this high-profile dispute might influence future conversations about actor workload and contract fairness. With several prominent filmmakers publicly weighing in, the debate continues to reflect larger questions about respect, professionalism, and power dynamics in Bollywood productions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Deepika Padukone normal delivery or C-section?
A. Now that Deepika is a mom, her fans are overjoyed. Meanwhile, her delivery has been making headlines. It’s reported that she had a C-section.
Q. Is Deepika Padukone delivery normal or cesarean?
A. In this scenario, people are mentioning that the actress had her baby through a C-section operation.
