Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has finally spoken out after being dropped from Prabhas-starrer Spirit and the upcoming sequel to sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD.
Earlier this week, production banner Vyjayanthi Movies confirmed her exit from Kalki 2898 AD 2 via a statement on X:
“After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more.”
Though no official reason was given, industry insiders claim the fallout stemmed from Padukone’s 25% hike in fees and her demands for shorter shooting hours, five-star stays for her 25-member crew, and additional costs beyond her acting fee. Another buzz suggested her role, SUM-80 (Sumathi), was reduced to a cameo in the sequel, leading her to bow out.
Focus Shifts to Shah Rukh Khan’s King
Out of the Kalki franchise, Padukone has reunited with longtime collaborator Shah Rukh Khan for his highly anticipated action thriller King. The actress hinted at valuing relationships over success, sharing a heartfelt post on Instagram that many saw as a cryptic dig at the Kalki makers:
“The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago, while filming Om Shanti 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’ve made since. And that’s probably why we’re back making our 6th movie together?”
Star-Studded Cast
Directed by Siddharth Anand, King not only pairs Padukone and SRK once again but also marks the big-screen debut of Suhana Khan. The cast includes Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, Jackie Shroff, Raghav Juyal, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Anil Kapoor.
