Deepika Padukone’s Shocking Exit from Spirit Sparks Industry Debate — Unprofessional or Unfairly Treated?

In a twist that's shaking up the Indian film industry, Deepika Padukone has reportedly been dropped from Spirit, the much-hyped film opposite Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. What’s turning heads isn’t just her abrupt exit — it’s the firestorm of controversy surrounding why she walked away.

According to a detailed report by Bollywood Hungama, sources close to the production claim that Padukone demanded significant changes to her contract, including a strict limit of six working hours per day and a cap at 100 shooting days. What rattled the production team even more? The actress allegedly insisted — through her agency — on being paid extra for every single day beyond that 100-day threshold.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his high-octane style and uncompromising vision (as seen in Kabir Singh and Animal), was reportedly left “stunned” by the inflexible conditions. “It was the final straw,” a source revealed. “Vanga runs a tight ship. Adjusting the schedule to suit a superstar’s luxury clock wasn’t part of the deal — especially when the entire film’s pacing depends on long, intense days.”

🔥 Ajay Devgn and Kajol Enter the Chat

Ajay Devgn and Kajol Enter the Chat

While whispers of “unprofessional behavior” began circulating around Deepika, the industry got a jolt when Bollywood royalty Ajay Devgn and Kajol jumped into the fray — siding not with the filmmaker, but with the actress.

At a recent media interaction, when asked about growing calls for fairer work schedules, Ajay stated:

“We don’t see anything wrong with an actress asking for 8-hour workdays. Honest filmmakers won’t have a problem with that.”

Kajol added a sharper, more emotional perspective:

“Being a woman and a mother in the film industry shouldn’t come at the cost of your health or sanity. If actors — men or women — want humane hours, it’s not a tantrum. It’s a right.”

Their statement — clear, bold, and unapologetically progressive — immediately went viral, with many reading it as a direct endorsement of Deepika’s stand, even if her name wasn’t mentioned.

Clash of Cultures or Professional Boundaries?

This controversy has sparked two divided camps in Bollywood — those who view Deepika’s demands as "star tantrums," and others who see them as a long-overdue pushback against the exploitative, chaotic work culture of Indian film sets.

Critics of Vanga’s camp argue that a director known for hyper-masculine portrayals on screen is now unwilling to adjust for a female star’s basic needs — which exposes a deeper gender bias at play.

Others point to industry hypocrisy. Male stars frequently command unreasonable perks, extended shoots, and reshoots — yet face no public backlash. Why, then, is Deepika being villainized for asking for basic labor protections?

The Real Fallout

With Padukone out of Spirit, the film now scrambles to find a new female lead. But what they lose in casting may pale in comparison to what the industry loses if this culture continues unchecked.

This is no longer just a casting dispute. It’s a symbolic moment in Bollywood — one where boundaries, respect, gender equality, and mental health have all collided in the glare of public scrutiny.

One question remains: will the industry evolve or retaliate?