Deepika Padukone has established herself as one of the most sought-after superstars in both Indian and global cinema. However, her recent back-to-back exits from huge projects, such as Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Vyjayanthi Movies’ Kalki 2898 AD sequel, have raised questions about her professionalism. Amidst this, Deepika’s Cocktail co-star, Diana Penty, shared her experience working with the actress.
Diana Penty recalls Deepika Padukone’s support and calls her the ‘best co-star’
Diana Penty made her Bollywood debut with the 2012 film, Cocktail. At the NDTV Yuva Conclave, Diana shared her experience as a newcomer with no prior acting background. She expressed her gratitude for having Deepika Padukone as her co-star. Diana also called both her colleagues, Saif Ali Khan and Deepika, her ‘pillars of strength’. The Shiddat actress was quoted as saying:
“She was honestly the best co-actor to have in my first film. Deepika and Saif were both my pillars of support through the times when I knew nothing. I was literally on a film set for the first time in my life, doing my first few scenes, my first few dialogue deliveries. Everything was so surreal, so new for me, but the two of them made sure that they supported me throughout. They made me feel completely comfortable, made light of everything. If I forgot my lines and we had to redo the scene, they made me feel like it was no big deal. So I really, really appreciate that.”
Diana Penty rated Deepika Padukone’s professionalism amid her Kalki 2898 AD sequel exit
As it was recently announced that Deepika Padukone won’t be returning to play the role of ‘Sumati’ in Kalki 2898 AD, with the producers hinting at a lack of commitment, speculation about the actress’s work ethic has been circulating. However, Diana Penty shared that she found Deepika ‘very, very hard working, extremely dedicated’. Praising Deepika’s discipline when it comes to her work, Diana stated:
“I had so many scenes with her, and I’ve always seen her — she’s very, very hard working, extremely dedicated. And I mean, I think she has a great working style…Extremely professional. 10. Yeah, 10. She is very, very disciplined. And I think that also comes from her upbringing and her background, being a sports player as well. She is disciplined.”
More about Deepika Padukone’s exit from Kalki 2898 AD sequel and her alleged demands
Vyjayanthi Movies hinted towards ‘commitment’ issues in a tweet on September 18, 2025, announcing the actress’ exit from Kalki 2898 AD sequel. According to a Bollywood Hungama report, Deepika Padukone demanded a 25% increase in her fees, a strict seven-hour workday, and her team was also asked to be provided with five-star accommodation and food reimbursement throughout the shooting process. However, after the news of her exit from the franchise went viral, Deepika took to her social media to announce that she was joining Shah Rukh Khan’s multi-starrer, King. Her social media caption, announcing this development, read:
“The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago, while filming Om Shaanti Om, was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success. I couldn’t agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I have made. And that’s probably why we’re back, making our 6th movie together?”
What are your thoughts on Diana Penty calling Deepika Padukone the ‘best co-star’? Let us know.
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