Bollywood Director Defends Deepika In “Spirit” Row

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and actress Deepika Padukone’s row has become a topic of discussion in the Hindi film circles over the last few weeks. Reportedly, Deepika demanded a remuneration of Rs. 25 crore and an eight-hour work shift for Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit.

It was stated that as the makers couldn’t agree to her demands, Deepika rejected the project. Later, Sandeep alleged that an actress is trying to malign his film by spreading negative PR articles about his film and its story. Many people believed that he was referring to Deepika.

Amidst this debate, quite a few Bollywood celebrities reacted to this controversy, and most of them took Deepika’s side, including Ajay Devgn and Kajol. In the latest development, top director Kabir Khan, known for films like Ek Tha Tiger, Bhajrangi Bhaijaan and 83, also defended Deepika’s demands. He said the likes of Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar are working for an eight-hour shift, and why not Deepika can do the same.

In a recent interview, Kabir Khan said that male actors like Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar work on 8-hour shifts and questioned why Deepika should be denied the same. He added that if a director wants his actors to work longer hours, he should come up with a valid reason. “It’s that simple,” stated Kabir.

When asked about Deepika’s hefty remuneration demand of Rs. 25 crore, Kabir said that the pay should be based on the star power and audience pull. He said that whoever brings the viewers to theatres, be it an actor or an actress or a director, man or woman, deserves to be paid what they are worth.