Prabhas' 'Spirit' could cast this Kannada actress after Deepika Padukone's exit. Who is Rukmini Vasanth?
The much-anticipated action drama Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and headlined by Prabhas, is currently navigating a significant shift in casting. Originally set to star
Deepika Padukone
opposite Prabhas, the project has now seen the actress step away, reportedly due to disagreements over compensation and working conditions. With her exit, speculation is rife that Kannada actress Rukmini Vasanth may step into the lead female role.
Deepika's Exit Over Alleged Demands
Deepika Padukone's departure from Spirit appears to stem from her reported list of demands. According to industry buzz, she sought a remuneration in the Rs 30-40 crore range, along with specific working conditions including a six-hour shoot day, a 28-member personal team, and a private jet for travel to filming locations. These requests allegedly led to creative and financial disagreements with director Vanga and co-producer Bhushan Kumar of T-Series.
Although none of the involved parties have officially confirmed the reasons behind her exit, the actress's choice to focus on fewer projects following her recent life changes may have played a role. Notably, Spirit had initially marked a planned reunion between Deepika and Prabhas, who star together in Kalki 2898 AD.
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Rukmini Vasanth in the Running
In the wake of Deepika's departure, Rukmini Vasanth is now reportedly in talks for the female lead, as per Aakashavaani. Known for her performances in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello and Bagheera, Rukmini has built a strong reputation in Kannada cinema. If confirmed, Spirit would mark another significant step in her career, expanding her presence into Telugu cinema.
Fans are watching closely, especially as previous discussions also included names like Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan, who reportedly opted out for similar reasons. With multiple casting changes already, the pressure is on the filmmakers to finalize the lineup and proceed with production, which was announced back in 2021.
A Glance at Rukmini's Journey
Rukmini Vasanth, born in Bangalore in 1996, is the daughter of the late Colonel Vasanth Venugopal, the first recipient from Karnataka of the Ashoka Chakra. Her father was martyred in 2007 while serving in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir. Raised in a military household, Rukmini pursued her education at prestigious institutions including the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
Her performance as Priya in the 2023 romantic drama Sapta Sagaradaache Ello received widespread critical acclaim. With recent successful projects like Bagheera and Bhairathi Ranagal, she is emerging as one of the most promising talents in
South Indian cinema
.
Prabhas' Busy Slate
Meanwhile, Prabhas continues to maintain a packed schedule. Besides Spirit, he is set to appear in The Raja Saab, a romantic horror comedy where he plays dual roles. The film, which stars Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar, has been postponed from its original April 2025 release date. Prabhas is also involved in an untitled period drama, currently referred to as PrabhasHanu (Fauji).
As Spirit remains in the early stages of production, all eyes are on the official confirmation of Rukmini Vasanth's casting.
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