The dynamics of Bollywood sets, particularly concerning actors' rights and professional conduct, have recently become a topic of intense discussion. This follows reports and speculation surrounding Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, "Spirit," and resurfaced anecdotes about her influence on younger actresses.
Recent reports suggest that Deepika Padukone was dropped from "Spirit," which stars Prabhas in the lead, due to disagreements over her remuneration and working conditions. News outlets have cited sources claiming that Padukone requested an eight-hour workday, which would translate to only six hours of actual shooting time. Additionally, she allegedly demanded a hefty fee of ₹20 crore along with a share in the film's profits. It was also reported that Padukone was unwilling to deliver her lines in Telugu, a key requirement for the role. These demands reportedly led to friction with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who ultimately decided to seek a replacement. Triptii Dimri has now been cast in the lead role.
Adding fuel to the fire, Sandeep Reddy Vanga indirectly criticized Padukone in a social media post, hinting at "dirty PR games" and questioning her understanding of feminism. Vanga seemed to suggest that Padukone had violated a non-disclosure agreement by revealing details about the film. Some reports had described Dimri's character as a "hot doctor," which may have revealed a key element of the plot.
Amidst this controversy, an old video clip has resurfaced featuring Ananya Panday on Neha Dhupia's show "No Filter Neha", where she spoke about learning from Deepika Padukone on the set of "Gehraiyaan." Panday revealed that Padukone inspired her to stand up for herself and demand the best possible environment for her work. She learned that it was acceptable to ask for silence, to have people removed from her eyeline, or to take ten minutes to get into character. Panday admitted that she used to simply accept the circumstances, but Padukone taught her the value of seizing the moment and not settling for less than the best.
Ananya Panday has also praised Deepika Padukone for standing up for everyone on set in a polite manner. She noted that women who speak up are often labeled as "bossy" or "difficult," but Padukone conveyed her needs with empathy, demonstrating that there is a way to advocate for oneself and others respectfully.
Deepika Padukone herself has weighed in on the matter, albeit indirectly. At a recent event in Stockholm, she emphasized the importance of being truthful and authentic, listening to one's inner voice, and making decisions that bring peace. She stated that in complicated or difficult situations, she makes decisions and stands by them, which gives her equilibrium. This statement was interpreted by many as a subtle response to the controversy surrounding her departure from "Spirit".
The situation has sparked a debate on social media, with some criticizing Padukone for being "unprofessional" and making excessive demands, while others argue that she is entitled to ask for fair compensation and working conditions, especially as a new mother. Some observers have noted that Padukone's demands for better pay, working hours, and a supportive work environment align with the ongoing criticism Vanga has faced for overlooking women's needs and undermining their agency in his films.
As of May 28, 2025, neither Deepika Padukone nor Sandeep Reddy Vanga have issued an official statement regarding her exit from "Spirit." However, the reports have created a buzz online, especially given the high-profile nature of the project.
