Deepika Padukone Exits Spirit; Sandeep Reddy Vanga Slams PR

Bollywood is buzzing with speculation after Pathaan star Deepika Padukone walked away from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, starring Prabhas in the lead. The fallout has ignited a debate across the industry, involving claims of "dirty PR games," unfair demands, and the casting of a younger actress.

According to a report by Business Today, Padukone reportedly demanded ₹20 crore as remuneration and a share in the film’s profits. She also allegedly requested an 8-hour work cap and back-end involvement in production decisions. These conditions reportedly didn’t sit well with the director and producers, leading to her departure.

In response, Indian Express highlighted how Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to social media with a cryptic message criticizing an unnamed actor for trying to sabotage the image of a younger co-star. Although Vanga did not explicitly name Padukone, many fans and film analysts interpreted the post as being directed toward her.

Following the controversy, actress Triptii Dimri, who gained attention for her roles in Qala and Animal, was officially brought on as the new lead. This replacement sparked a polarized reaction online. While some hailed Triptii’s selection as a step forward, others accused Vanga of promoting misogynistic narratives — a concern often associated with his films. Times of India reported how social media users debated whether this was a matter of creative differences or an issue of gender politics in Bollywood.

Meanwhile, India Today noted that Triptii was always a strong contender for the role, but the studio wanted a bigger name to launch the project. With Deepika now out, the team is focused on wrapping pre-production and moving ahead with Triptii as the face of the film.

While neither party has issued an official press statement, the unfolding tension between two of Bollywood's most talked-about figures continues to generate widespread buzz, hinting at deeper concerns about power dynamics, respect for artists’ working conditions, and the industry's perception of younger talent.