Deepika Padukone's demands spark chaos! 'Kalki 2' role at risk after 'Spirit' exit?

Deepika Padukone, one of Bollywood's biggest stars, seems to be entering a rough patch as fresh reports hint at her possible exit from Kalki 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. This comes shortly after her confirmed departure from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. While there is no official confirmation yet, whispers from industry insiders suggest that Deepika's new working conditions post-motherhood may be creating friction with big-budget filmmakers.

According to reports, the actress is currently prioritising a more balanced lifestyle and has requested shorter work shifts, limited to eight hours a day, along with a hike in fees and a share in profits. Earlier industry chatter suggested that Kalki makers might reduce her role or give it an arc that wouldn't have much screen presence, but now the chatter has intensified to the chances of Padukone even being replaced completely.

While many hail her for standing up for work-life balance, it seems her terms are proving difficult to accommodate in high-pressure productions like Spirit and Kalki 2.

Her departure from Spirit recently made headlines, especially after director Sandeep Reddy Vanga seemingly addressed the issue through a cryptic post on social media. Though he didn't name Deepika, his words pointed at an actor who allegedly broke an "unsaid NDA" and engaged in "dirty PR games." His strong tone and accusations, even referencing feminism in a sarcastic tone have sparked widespread speculation that the post was aimed at Deepika.

Meanwhile, the role in Spirit has already found a new face. Triptii Dimri has officially replaced Deepika in the film and shared her excitement on social media, writing, "Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey."

Now, all eyes are on Kalki 2, where Deepika plays a pivotal role alongside Prabhas. While Deepika has not responded to these speculations, fans and industry watchers are closely observing how the situation unfolds. With two major projects already in question, it appears the actress is navigating a tricky phase where personal priorities may be clashing with professional expectations.

Only time will tell whether this bold shift in her working style will open new doors or cost her some of the biggest films of the decade.