June 6, 2025: After reports of Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit, fresh speculation suggests she may also be removed from Kalki 2. According to sources cited by Bollywood.mobi, Deepika’s request for shorter work hours post-motherhood is allegedly causing “friction on sets,” pushing the makers to consider reducing or eliminating her role in the film. However, no official statement has been made yet.
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The actress had earlier reportedly demanded:
- An 8-hour workday to accommodate her new role as a mother,
- A higher salary, and
- A share in the film’s profits.
These demands allegedly didn’t sit well with Vanga during Spirit’s planning stage, leading to her ouster.
Vanga, without naming Deepika directly, took to X (formerly Twitter) and launched a sharp attack, accusing her of breaching an unsaid NDA and engaging in “dirty PR games.” He wrote:
“There is an unsaid NDA… 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?”
He further added:
“Aisa karo… Agli baar poori kahani bolna… Mujhe zara bhi farak nahi padta. #dirtyPRgames.”
Meanwhile, Triptii Dimri—who worked with Vanga in Animal—has confirmed she will now star as the female lead in Spirit. She posted the official title poster on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the opportunity:
“Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey.”
As of now, Deepika has made no public comment on the controversies or her reported removal from the two major projects.