Deepika Exits Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prabhas' Spirit: Was It Unreasonable or Fair? — Reports
Several reports have labeled her demands as unprofessional and excessive.
Deepika Padukone Exits Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prabhas' Spirit latest news: Actress Deepika Padukone is making headlines for reportedly exiting Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, in which she was set to star alongside Prabhas, allegedly due to making "unreasonable demands," according to some reports.
However, a report by Jigar Shah for Times Entertainment offers an interesting perspective, questioning whether her demands were truly unreasonable — or simply fair, like those made by any top male actor in their prime.
Deepika Padukone was expected to play the female lead in the pan-India film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. While several reports have labeled her demands as unprofessional and excessive, the debate continues on whether she was simply asserting her worth.
She reportedly put forth some non-negotiable demands before the makers of the film. She asked for an 8-hour workday, with around 6 hours dedicated to actual shooting, the report by Gulte said. However, things went south between the actress and the filmmaker when she reportedly demanded around Rs 20 crore for the film — the highest fee an actress has charged for a film so far — along with a share in the film’s profits. She allegedly refused to speak Telugu for her role due to her unfamiliarity with the language.
According to a report in Money Control, the shooting of the film was allegedly already delayed because of Deepika’s pregnancy. The shooting was scheduled to begin in late 2024, and the actress reportedly rejected the offer citing scheduling conflicts.
“Was she overreaching or simply asking for what any leading star of her stature deserves?” the report in Times Entertainment questions.
The report goes on to explain why Deepika Padukone’s demands for Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit are rather reasonable and fair — not the unprofessional demands being reported by various outlets.
The report says that one of the main issues is Deepika’s request to work only 8 hours a day and explains that any industry insider would confirm that actors working in multiple shifts is not a new concept. Back in the 90s, stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan often did three 8-hour shifts in a day. Akshay Kumar, known for his discipline, prefers early morning shifts, finishes by evening, and takes weekends off.
The report also mentions that even Salman Khan, during the shoot for Sultan, counted the hours he was training and working out for the film as part of his shift.
So, the actress’s request doesn’t sound like an unfair or unprofessional demand at all — it actually reflects a healthier and more professional approach to filmmaking, especially since she is a mother of an infant as well.
About the language issue, the report says that in Pan-India cinema, “dubbing is not just common; it’s industry standard.”
Citing examples of Prabhas himself, the report states that for his Hindi releases, the voice of Sharad Kelkar is used for dubbing, even in major successful films like Baahubali, Kali, 2889 AD, and more.
Therefore, singling out Deepika Padukone is unfair.
Regarding her reportedly demanding ₹20 crore for the film, the report says that this is not the first time Deepika has asked for high remuneration. She left a film six years ago due to low pay.
Deepika spoke about that moment during a panel discussion on NDTV, as reported. She said, “I know my worth… I don’t think I would be able to live with the thought that I am part of a film, had the same creative contribution, or brought the same value, but was being underpaid… I was not okay with that,” Times Entertainment quoted Deepika as saying.
“When male superstars demand Rs100 crore fees, profit shares, control over marketing plans, or input on the final cut, it’s considered smart business. Yet, when a female star negotiates assertively, it’s labeled as entitlement,” the report reasoned.
“That’s the bias we need to confront,” the report added.
Deepika Padukone is one of the most successful and bankable actresses in Indian cinema today. Known for her versatility and powerful screen presence, she has delivered numerous box office hits like Chennai Express, Padmaavat, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Piku, Pathaan, and Fighter. She has also received critical acclaim for her performances in challenging roles.
Beyond acting, Deepika is a global brand ambassador, a producer, and a strong advocate for mental health awareness. Her popularity spans across borders, making her a top choice for both filmmakers and endorsements. Given her proven track record, wide appeal, and professionalism, her high remuneration is well justified.
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