Triptii Dimri replaces Deepika Padukone in Prabhas-starrer Spirit; Sandeep Reddy Vanga's ‘pan-world' film gears up for shoot

Indian Express

24-05-2025

After Deepika Padukone's reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's much-anticipated film Spirit, the makers have officially confirmed her replacement. Stepping into the lead role is Triptii Dimri, who previously collaborated with Vanga in the Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Animal. Triptii's casting was announced on social media by Bhushan Kumar's production house T-Series. The statement, shared on Instagram, read: 'A powerful new on-screen pairing is here! We're thrilled to welcome #TriptiDimri on board for our ambitious pan-world film #SPIRIT, starring #Prabhas and directed by @imvangasandeep. Produced by #BhushanKumar, #SandeepReddyVanga and #PranayReddyVanga. Shoot begins in 2025. Stay tuned for more!'
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Just a month ago, Deepika's involvement in Spirit had generated buzz, marking what would have been her first collaboration with Vanga and her second with Prabhas after their 2024 blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD. However, reports from Bollywood Hungama earlier this week confirmed her departure from the project, allegedly due to unmet demands. According to reports, Deepika had asked for a strict eight-hour work day, Rs 20 crore as remuneration, and had declined to dub her lines in Telugu.
'As new mother, it's not an unfair ask to do eight hours of shift a day. Every actor who enters motherhood naturally gets more selective and conditional,' a source said, adding, 'We've seen that not only in the film business, but across all industries, organizations are getting more and more accommodating with new mothers.' Earlier this month, in an interview with Marie Claire, Deepika had opened up on how she's making the most of her motherhood. She recalled when a director, who wanted to meet her, was turned down because she wanted to be with her newborn daughter Dua, he said, 'Oh, looks like she's taking motherhood very seriously.'
Also Read | Deepika Padukone exits Sandeep Reddy Vanga-Prabhas' Spirit; clash over new mom asking for 8-hour shifts, huge pay, won't say Telugu dialogues
Interestingly, Triptii rose to national prominence with her role in Animal, earning the title of 'national crush of India' on social media. With Spirit, she not only reteams with Vanga but also joins pan-India star Prabhas in a project that's generating significant anticipation. Beyond Spirit, Triptii is busy with a slate of upcoming films, including Dhadak 2 and an untitled project with acclaimed director Vishal Bhardwaj.
Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone is gearing up to begin work on King, Siddharth Anand's upcoming crime thriller. The film, which recently went on the floors, will see her reunite with Shah Rukh Khan and Anand post their 2023 hit Pathaan. King reportedly features a star-studded ensemble including Suhana Khan, Abhay Verma, Jaideep Ahlawat, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Rani Mukerji, and Abhishek Bachchan, and is being produced under Red Chillies Entertainment.