Deepika Finally Speaks About Leaving Spirit and Kalki

There were reports earlier that Deepika Padukone was replaced in Spirit, Prabhas’ film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The reason mentioned was her working hour preferences, and Tripti Dimri took her place in the project.

Recently, something similar has happened with the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Deepika, who played a key role in the first film, was expected to continue in the next part. However, the makers recently announced that she won’t be part of the sequel, citing “commitment issues.” After a long collaboration, both sides decided to move on separately.

Even though she was replaced in two big films, Deepika didn’t comment for a while. Many were curious to hear her side, and she finally spoke about it in an interview on Thursday.

Speaking about her exit from both films, Deepika said, “I don’t want to take names or make this a big thing. But it’s widely known that many male actors have been working 8 hours a day for years, Monday to Friday and they don’t work on weekends. Now, even many women and new mothers have started working 8-hour shifts, but that never makes headlines.”

She went on to say that such challenges aren’t new to her. “I’ve faced this throughout my career. Even when it comes to pay, I’ve had to deal with whatever comes my way. I’ve always fought my battles silently,” she said.

Deepika added, “Sometimes those battles become public, which isn’t how I was brought up. But I believe in facing them quietly and with dignity.” On the work front, Deepika will next be seen reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan in King, directed by Siddharth Anand.