The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film, Spirit, has become the latest topic of discussion on the internet, with contrasting viewpoints from fans and industry insiders. It was triggered by certain conditions put forward by the actress, who was allegedly supposed to make her comeback after a maternal break with the film. However, certain unconfirmed news reports revealed that the filmmaker rejected those demands. Consequently, she exited the highly-awaited project. Amid all this, filmmaker, Mani Ratnam has recently shared his take on the situation.
Mani Ratnam backs Deepika Padukone’s demands and decision to exit Spirit
Deepika Padukone was earlier accused of being ‘unprofessional’ in some news reports. But, after the controversy took centre stage, several insiders have come out to back the actress’s demand for work-life balance. Moreover, it has sparked a bigger debate about professionalism, gender pay equality, and limited working hours for actors, especially new moms. In a recent interview with News 18, Mani Ratnam shared his opinion on the situation. He extended his support to Deepika Padukone who has received immense backlash during this row.
The Guru filmmaker defended the alleged demands put forward by Deepika Padukone to work in Spirit as a new mom. Mani Ratnam explained that he feels happy that the actress is in a situation to put forward those demands and added that he believes as a filmmaker, one should consider it when they cast someone in a film. At the same time, Mani Ratnam mentioned that he feels Deepika’s demands were reasonable and one should work around them. In his words:
“I think it is a rightful demand. I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it. I think, as a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when you cast. It is not an unreasonable thing to ask, but an absolute necessity. I think that should be the priority. You have to acknowledge that, understand it and work around it.”
Ajay Devgn supported Deepika Padukone’s demand for 8-hour shift
Before Mani Ratnam, Ajay Devgn and his wife, Kajol, were asked about their views on the ongoing debate about having an 8-hour work shift for a new moms in film industry. In turn, the actor agreed and explained that industry insiders and honest filmmakers would agree with it. He also stated that not just new moms or mothers but even other people in the industry have started working eight or 9-hour shifts.
What were Deepika’s alleged demands for working in Spirit?
Multiple news reports on the internet claimed that Deepika was signed to work opposite her Kalki 2898 AD co-star, Prabhas. However, she put forward some conditions, which allegedly included an 8-hour shift, profit-sharing rights, avoiding Telugu dialogues and a high remuneration, which didn’t sit well with filmmaker, Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Consequently, the actress parted ways with the team and Triptii Dimri was cast in her place. However, later, Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to his X handle and, without taking names, claimed that someone from his film’s team had allegedly leaked its story. He penned:
“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?”
What do you think about Mani Ratnam’s decision to support Deepika Padukone in Spirit row?
Next Read: Imran Khan’s Ex-Wife, Avantika Breaks Down Recalling Struggle To Save Marriage: ‘Wanted To Die..’