Deepika Padukone has been removed from Prabhas starrer Spirit, and the reason behind the decision has left the fans confused. Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s collaboration with Deepika was supposed to mark the actress’ return to the big screen after giving birth to her beautiful daughter, Dua. However, after a prolonged silence, the actress finally opened up about facing difficult situations.
Deepika Padukone opened up about difficult situations amid her exit from Spirit
Deepika Padukone has been at the heart of the headlines lately. Days after reports confirmed her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, the actress made a strong statement about being true to herself and maintaining her authenticity, seemingly addressing the controversy. While fans of Sandeep had not been pleased with the actress’ decision to leave the film and lashed at Deepika online, accusing her of unprofessionalism, the Bajirao Mastani star was seen owning the red carpet at a fashion gala in Stockholm.
Deepika Padukone has been slowly slipping back into her work life after having her daughter, Dua, last year in September 2024. She joined the event as the Cartier’s global ambassador and was seen with an elite crowd of international celebrities, radiating poise amid the noise. During her appearance, she talked to Vogue Arabia, while Deepika didn’t directly address the Spirit row, but her words appeared telling.
Deepika revealed that what keeps her balanced is being truthful and authentic. She added that whenever she is faced with a complicated situation, being able to listen to her inner voice is what makes her feel most at peace. She called her ability to make the hard choices and have the strength to stand by them her point of equilibrium. Deepika was quoted as saying:
“I think what keeps me balanced is just being truthful, being authentic. And whenever I am faced with say, complicated situations or difficult situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and just make decisions, stand by decisions that really give me peace. That is when I feel most in equilibrium.”
Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit
Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit was cited as a creative and logistical difference. Reports claimed that Deepika, being a new mother, had requested an eight-hour workday, a significant salary, and a share in the film’s profits. The actress has been finding her balance between being a present mother and a successful actress, yet her demands didn’t sit well with Sandeep Reddy Vanga. However, her decision to prioritise work-life balance is being viewed by fans as a reasonable, assertive move and just, but it came at the price of her parting ways with the film.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s cryptic post
On May 26, 2025, Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle and left a scathing post, seemingly criticising Deepika Padukone, for ‘putting down a younger actor’ and ‘ousting’ his story. Even though the filmmaker did not directly name anyone in the post, it appeared to be a dig at Deepika, after the actress exited Spirit citing ‘creative differences’, and was replaced by Triptii Dimri. Questioning Deepika’s feminism, the filmmaker wrote:
“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.”
What are your thoughts on Deepika Padukone’s revelation about facing difficult situations?
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