'Unprofessional' Deepika Padukone exits Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s 'Spirit' opposite Prabhas; deets inside

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who was earlier confirmed to star opposite Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, has reportedly exited the project. 

The film, positioned as a major pan-India release, has been the subject of much anticipation, especially given Vanga’s previous successes with Kabir Singh and Animal.

Also Read: When Deepika Padukone was locked inside store room for her misbehaviour

Reported Reasons for Exit

According to multiple Telugu media reports, including those by Gulte and GreatAndhra.com, Deepika’s departure from the film was the result of several disagreements with the director over professional terms. 

Insiders from the production team have described the actress’s demands as “unprofessional,” citing her insistence on an eight-hour workday, which reportedly allowed only about six hours of actual shoot time. 

The situation escalated further when Deepika is said to have asked for a record-breaking remuneration of Rs 20 crore along with a share of the film’s profits. Additionally, sources claim that she refused to deliver her dialogues in Telugu, a key requirement for a film intended for a multilingual audience.

Director’s Decision and Casting Update

These conditions are believed to have led to growing frustration for director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who eventually decided to part ways with the actress. Reports suggest that the filmmaker has already begun the process of scouting for a new lead actress to replace her in the film.

Previous Delays 

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Deepika’s involvement in Spirit has faced challenges. Earlier reports had suggested that the film’s production was delayed due to Deepika’s pregnancy. Initially, she had declined the role, citing scheduling conflicts. 

However, after the filmmaker offered revised shooting timelines to accommodate her, she had agreed to be part of the project. This makes her recent exit all the more surprising for fans who were looking forward to seeing her alongside Prabhas.

No Official Statement Yet

As of now, neither Deepika Padukone nor Sandeep Reddy Vanga has officially addressed the reports surrounding her exit. Nevertheless, the news has already created a stir online, with fans speculating about who might step into the role next.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone gearing up for the Kalki 2898 AD sequel shoot?

Deepika’s Recent Work and Future Projects

Deepika was last seen in blockbuster hits like Jawan and Kalki 2898 AD, and although her upcoming film slate hasn’t been officially announced, she is expected to return for the sequel of Kalki and may also feature in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War and Shah Rukh Khan’s much-talked-about project, King. The actress recently took a brief hiatus from acting following the birth of her daughter, Dua Padukone Singh, in September 2024 with husband Ranveer Singh.