Is Deepika Padukone's 8-hour workday demand the reason for exit from Prabhas's Spirit? Here is what we know
Is Deepika Padukone exiting from Prabhas-Sandeep Vanga's Spirit?
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga is once again back in the headlines and this time for his upcoming movie, Spirit, featuring Prabhas. After the success of his hit films in Bollywood like Kabir Singh and Animal, he is gearing up for the highly anticipated film Spirit, leaving fans eager for updates on the film. However, the film has now been hit by behind-the-scenes drama that could reshape its casting narrative entirely. Deepika Padukone, who was supposed to star opposite the Baahubali actor, but now, as per reports, looks like the director is reconsidering the casting choice. According to a report by GreatAndhra, Deepika Padukone, who was previously confirmed as the female lead opposite Prabhas, has reportedly been dropped from Spirit following escalating creative and professional differences with Vanga. The tabloid claims that the decision came after several 'unprofessional' demands from the actress that strained her working relationship with the director.Reports allege that Deepika had requested a strict 8-hour work schedule, which effectively reduced actual shoot time to just 6 hours per day. A different report suggested that the actress has reportedly demanded a staggering fee of Rs 20 crore, her highest ever, along with a share in the film's profits.
The final straw, as per reports, was her refusal to deliver dialogues in Telugu, an essential requirement for the role, considering the film's linguistic and cultural setting. This language barrier reportedly led to further creative hurdles, forcing Vanga to reconsider his casting choice.
With Deepika out, Sandeep Reddy Vanga is now on the lookout for a new female lead. The film, which promises to be another intense addition to Vanga's filmography, remains on track but may see further delays depending on how quickly the casting reshuffle is resolved.
In a candid conversation with Marie Claire, Deepika Padukone reflected on the challenges of balancing motherhood and work. Named one of the magazine's 2025 Power Moms, the actress shared that while she's still figuring out her post-baby work rhythm, being present for her daughter Dua is her top priority. Despite this, not everyone in her professional circle is supportive. Padukone revealed that a director reacted oddly when she prioritised her child over a meeting and said that the actress was taking 'motherhood very seriously'. Regardless, she and husband Ranveer Singh are focused on hands-on parenting and remain unfazed by criticism about taking their new roles as parents seriously.
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