The buzz surrounding the Prabhas-starrer Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga has taken a dramatic turn as multiple Telugu media outlets report that Deepika Padukone is no longer part of the film. Her alleged removal from the project has ignited widespread discussion, especially among fans who were eagerly awaiting her collaboration with the Kabir Singh director.
According to reports from platforms like Gulte and GreatAndhra.com, the decision to part ways with the actress stemmed from creative and contractual disagreements. It has been claimed that Deepika requested an 8-hour workday, which effectively allowed for around 6 hours of actual filming. Further friction reportedly arose over her demand for a significant remuneration along with a share in the film’s profits. Adding to the complexity, insiders allege that she declined to deliver her dialogues in Telugu.
The controversy has sparked strong reactions online, especially from her fans, who have rallied in her support. Amid the uproar, a video from an event held six years ago has resurfaced and gone viral. In the clip, Deepika is seen candidly speaking about her stance on pay equity in the industry.
“For myself, I think I have been able to bridge that gap in terms of what my male contemporaries are getting versus what I’m getting paid. There was a recent incident when a director offered us a film… Creatively, I liked it. Then it came to talking about the monies,” she stated.
Here is the video:
The resurfacing of this video has added another layer to the ongoing discourse, with many interpreting the alleged demands as part of her broader advocacy for fair pay. Reports also suggest that Deepika was set to earn her highest fee yet—reportedly around Rs 20 crore—for the film Spirit.
While there has been no official confirmation from either the production team or Deepika herself, the speculation continues to stir conversation around gender dynamics, fair compensation, and language inclusivity in Indian cinema.
