In a surprising turn of events, reports suggest that Deepika Padukone is no longer a part of Spirit, the much-awaited collaboration between Prabhas and Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
The news has sparked a media frenzy, with contrasting narratives emerging from Telugu and Bollywood circles.
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According to several Telugu social media handles, Deepika was dropped from the project due to ongoing disagreements with the filmmaker. The actress allegedly made several demands that were viewed as “unprofessional” by the team.
Sources claim that Deepika requested an 8-hour workday—effectively reducing actual shoot time to around 6 hours—along with a whopping 40 crores fee, her highest ever, and a share in the film’s profits.
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It’s also said that she was unwilling to deliver her lines in Telugu, which was reportedly a key requirement for the role.
These factors, according to insider reports, frustrated Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who then decided to remove her from Spirit.
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However, Bollywood media is presenting a different side of the story. They claim Deepika, who is now a new mother, had only requested reasonable working hours to balance her personal and professional life.
Many are defending her, saying such requests are not unprofessional but human.
“Deepika Padukone has been in the industry for nearly 19 years, and never before has she been accused of unprofessional behavior,” a Bollywood insider said. “In fact, most colleagues speak highly of her dedication and work ethic.”
Supporters of Deepika believe that the backlash from some Telugu media outlets is unfair, accusing them of launching a smear campaign after news broke of her exit.
They suggest that Deepika’s team has been trying to clarify her side of the story, which some people on social media are dismissing as a “sympathy narrative.”
It’s also worth noting that earlier reports stated Deepika initially turned down the role in Spirit due to pregnancy and scheduling conflicts.
She later came on board after Sandeep Vanga reportedly promised to accommodate her availability.
Whether she was truly removed for her demands or if this was a mutual parting due to logistical issues remains unclear.
As of now, there has been no official statement from either Sandeep Reddy Vanga or Deepika Padukone regarding the matter.
Until then, the real reason behind her exit from Spirit remains speculative.
