Deepika Padukone Reportedly Dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ Over “Unprofessional” Behaviour and Demands

Reports circulating in the Indian film industry suggest a significant casting change for Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s highly anticipated film ‘Spirit,’ starring Prabhas. Actress Deepika Padukone, who was previously associated with the project, has reportedly been dropped from the film due to alleged disagreements over remuneration and what insiders are terming “unprofessional” behavior.

While no official statement has been released by either Deepika Padukone or the makers of ‘Spirit,’ multiple media outlets and industry sources indicate a fallout between the actress and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. This development has sparked considerable discussion, given both Padukone’s star power and Vanga’s reputation for creating blockbuster, often controversial, films like ‘Kabir Singh’ and ‘Animal.’

Sources close to the production suggest that the primary points of contention revolved around Padukone’s demands, which reportedly included a strict 8-hour workday, translating to approximately six hours of actual shooting. Furthermore, it’s alleged that she requested a substantial remuneration of ₹20 crore, which would have been her highest fee to date, along along with a percentage of the film’s profits. Another contentious point cited was her purported refusal to deliver dialogues in Telugu, a crucial linguistic aspect for the film’s intended pan-India reach.

These demands are said to have caused friction with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his intense and demanding filmmaking style. The director and his team reportedly attempted to resolve these issues, but with Padukone’s team allegedly unwilling to compromise, the decision was made to seek a replacement for the female lead.

The film ‘Spirit’ has already faced multiple delays, initially attributed to Deepika Padukone’s pregnancy and childbirth, and later due to Prabhas’s injury and his commitments to other major projects like ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and ‘Salaar 2.’ Earlier, Padukone had reportedly stepped away from ‘Spirit’ due to scheduling conflicts related to her pregnancy, but reports suggested she had re-signed after revised dates were proposed by Vanga.

The news of her alleged exit has also drawn attention to a resurfaced old video of Deepika Padukone discussing pay parity in the industry. In the clip, she articulates her stance on fair compensation, stating she would not compromise on her fee, especially when a male co-star with a less successful track record was being paid more. This statement now resonates with the current situation, prompting a debate among fans and industry observers about what constitutes “reasonable” demands from a leading female superstar compared to their male counterparts. Many argue that similar or even higher demands from male actors are often accepted as standard practice, raising questions about gender dynamics and double standards within the industry.

As of now, the makers of ‘Spirit’ are reportedly searching for a new actress to star opposite Prabhas. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement regarding the casting, and the controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s alleged exit continues to fuel discussions about remuneration, working conditions, and the evolving landscape of Indian cinema.