Deepika Padukone on ‘Spirit’ Controversy: Stands Firm Amid Industry Debate

Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has finally addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film, Spirit. The actress, who was originally cast opposite Prabhas, faced backlash after reports surfaced that she had demanded an 8-hour workday, a ₹20 crore fee, profit-sharing rights, and refused to deliver dialogues in Telugu.

While critics questioned her professionalism, several industry veterans, including Mani Ratnam, Ajay Devgn, and Saif Ali Khan, have come forward in her defense, calling her demands reasonable and necessary.

The Controversy: What Led to Deepika’s Exit?

Deepika Padukone’s departure from Spirit sparked heated debates across Bollywood. Reports suggest that her contractual demands did not sit well with the filmmakers, leading to her replacement by Triptii Dimri.

Key points of contention included:

• Work-Life Balance: Deepika reportedly insisted on an 8-hour workday, citing the need for family time after becoming a mother.
• Fair Compensation: She demanded a ₹20 crore fee, arguing that her star power warranted equal pay to male leads.
• Profit-Sharing Rights: The actress sought a percentage of the film’s earnings, a practice common among top-tier actors.
• Language Barrier: Reports claim she refused to deliver dialogues in Telugu, preferring them to be dubbed.

Industry Support: Bollywood Backs Deepika Padukone

Despite the controversy, several Bollywood figures have defended Deepika’s stance.

• Mani Ratnam called her demands “rightful and necessary”, stating that actors should have the freedom to negotiate fair working conditions.
• Ajay Devgn emphasized the importance of work-life balance, saying, “Most honest filmmakers will not have a problem with it”.
• Saif Ali Khan echoed similar sentiments, adding, “Success is being able to say, ‘No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with my kids’”.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Response

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his bold storytelling, did not take Deepika’s exit lightly. In a cryptic social media post, he accused an unnamed actor of playing “dirty PR games” and leaking the film’s plot.

His remarks fueled speculation that he was referring to Deepika, further intensifying the debate.

Conclusion

Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit has ignited discussions about fair pay, work-life balance, and industry norms. While some view her demands as reasonable, others argue that filmmakers should have the final say.

As Bollywood continues to evolve, Deepika’s stance may pave the way for better working conditions for actors, setting a precedent for future negotiations.

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