Deepika Padukone removed from Kalki 2 and Spirit: In a recent turn of events, Deepika Padukone has reportedly been ousted from both Kalki 2 and Spirit following disputes regarding her request for shorter work hours after embracing motherhood, fueling controversy within the film industry and sparking debates about work-life balance for actors. These developments occurred in the midst of mounting tension between Padukone and key figures involved in the productions, with further updates awaited as neither the actress nor the filmmakers have released official statements.
Tensions escalate over Deepika Padukone’s work hour demands
Reports indicate that Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga experienced a significant disagreement, ultimately resulting in Padukone’s removal from Spirit. The primary point of contention was her insistence on a 6-hour work shift, a request she made due to her recent transition into motherhood. The filmmaker reportedly took issue with this demand, viewing it as incompatible with the production’s requirements. As a result, their professional relationship deteriorated.
Further speculation has now arisen about Deepika Padukone’s position in the highly anticipated sequel Kalki 2. According to an update shared by Bollywood.mobi, the production team is considering dropping her in light of ongoing friction caused by her wishes for reduced work hours. Although sources suggest these discussions are active, no official statement has been released by either Deepika Padukone or the makers at this time. The uncertainty regarding her future in the film has heightened the scrutiny around her recent career changes.
Kalki 2898 AD’s narrative and central figures
Kalki 2898 AD features Deepika Padukone alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas in key roles. The film presents a science fiction action storyline set in a dystopian version of the year 2898, where the legend of Kalki, the tenth avatar of Vishnu, is imagined as a character created in a laboratory. The plot also explores other complex characters, including Ashwatthama, depicted as a cursed immortal, and Bhairava, a bounty hunter. Together, they navigate a world controlled by Supreme Yaskin—a tyrant figure—while the narrative delves into Hindu mythology’s themes of good versus evil and the repeated cycles of time.
Spirit fallout: Public responses and industry support
When Deepika Padukone was removed from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit, industry insiders indicated a mix of reasons, including disputes over compensation and allegations of unprofessional conduct in addition to her demand for a 6-hour workday. Vanga addressed the matter on social media, stating,
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 behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.
—Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Filmmaker
Padukone’s situation has drawn significant attention from both supporters and detractors within the industry. Notably, well-known personalities such as Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, and Mani Ratnam have advocated for her position, arguing that a standard 8-hour work shift is a reasonable expectation, especially for new mothers striving to balance professional and personal responsibilities. This wave of support has intensified the debate over the treatment of actors and their rights to workplace accommodations.
Personal milestone and ongoing speculation
Amid her professional upheaval, Deepika Padukone recently celebrated the birth of her first child, daughter Dua, with her husband Ranveer Singh in September 2024. This significant life change has prompted her to seek adjustments in her work schedule, yet it has also fueled ongoing speculation over her roles in upcoming major productions like Kalki 2 and Spirit.
The developing story highlights how conversations about work-life balance, parental rights, and expectations in the entertainment sector are coming to the foreground, especially involving prominent figures such as Deepika Padukone, Prabhas, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga. As the industry grapples with changing attitudes and norms, all eyes remain on how these disputes will be resolved and what precedent they might set for future productions.
