I fight my battles silently and in a dignified way” Deepika Padukone Breaks Silence on Exiting Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD Sequel
Deepika Padukone Breaks Her Silence on Exiting Spirit & Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: “I Choose Dignity Over Drama”
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has finally responded to swirling controversies around her departures from two major films - Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. In a candid conversation, she hinted at deeper systemic issues in the industry and reaffirmed her principles.
The Backdrop: Two High-Profile Exits
Earlier this year, news broke that Deepika had exited:
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, where reports suggested disagreements over working hours, remuneration, and creative control.
The sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, despite her pivotal role in the first film. The production house later confirmed her exit, stating that despite the long journey of the first film, they “were unable to find a partnership” for the sequel.
These exits triggered a wave of speculation - from pay disputes to creative clashes - dominating Bollywood headlines for weeks.
What She Said: On Silence, Dignity & Industry Double Standards
Speaking with CNBC-TV18, Deepika touched upon the undercurrents of her professional decisions:
“I fight my battles silently, and in a dignified way.”
She shared that this approach is deeply personal, even as some of her choices ended up becoming public.
“A lot of male superstars in the Indian film industry have been working for 8 hours for years, and it's never made headlines.”
She added that she didn’t want to point fingers or make this a public attack, but believed in the need for a more systematized and respectful working culture.
On industry structure and professionalism:
Deepika described Bollywood as “disorganised” and asserted that it’s time to bring in systems, boundaries, and norms for fair work and respect.
Reactions & Context in Bollywood
Director Shoojit Sircar publicly supported Deepika, emphasizing the need to respect an actor’s professional boundaries and not to misinterpret such decisions as unprofessionalism.
Triptii Dimri, who replaced Deepika in Spirit, subtly showed solidarity by liking social media posts critical of negative narratives targeting Deepika.
Meanwhile, industry chatter has amplified around questions of gender bias, pay parity, and the double standards actors (especially women) face when they assert working conditions or creative agency.
What’s Next for Deepika
Putting controversies aside, Deepika is forging ahead:
She has already commenced work on King, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
Additionally, she has upcoming projects lined up, including collaborations with notable filmmakers and actors.
Her recent statements suggest that going forward, she will prioritize working environments and relationships over mere box office numbers.
Final Word
Deepika Padukone’s subtle but firm statement offers a glimpse into bigger conversations trending in Bollywood: about work culture, gender equity, respect, and boundaries. While she chose not to name names, her message is clear - and it may well prompt the industry to rethink how it treats its leading women.
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has finally responded to swirling controversies around her departures from two major films - Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. In a candid conversation, she hinted at deeper systemic issues in the industry and reaffirmed her principles.
Also Read:
Earlier this year, news broke that Deepika had exited:
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, where reports suggested disagreements over working hours, remuneration, and creative control.
The sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, despite her pivotal role in the first film. The production house later confirmed her exit, stating that despite the long journey of the first film, they “were unable to find a partnership” for the sequel.
These exits triggered a wave of speculation - from pay disputes to creative clashes - dominating Bollywood headlines for weeks.
What She Said: On Silence, Dignity & Industry Double Standards
Speaking with CNBC-TV18, Deepika touched upon the undercurrents of her professional decisions:
“I fight my battles silently, and in a dignified way.”
She shared that this approach is deeply personal, even as some of her choices ended up becoming public.
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On the 8-hour workday demand
On the 8-hour workday demand
(widely speculated as one of the causes for her exits):
“A lot of male superstars in the Indian film industry have been working for 8 hours for years, and it's never made headlines.”
She added that she didn’t want to point fingers or make this a public attack, but believed in the need for a more systematized and respectful working culture.
On industry structure and professionalism:
Deepika described Bollywood as “disorganised” and asserted that it’s time to bring in systems, boundaries, and norms for fair work and respect.
Reactions & Context in Bollywood
Director Shoojit Sircar publicly supported Deepika, emphasizing the need to respect an actor’s professional boundaries and not to misinterpret such decisions as unprofessionalism.
Triptii Dimri, who replaced Deepika in Spirit, subtly showed solidarity by liking social media posts critical of negative narratives targeting Deepika.
Meanwhile, industry chatter has amplified around questions of gender bias, pay parity, and the double standards actors (especially women) face when they assert working conditions or creative agency.
What’s Next for Deepika
Putting controversies aside, Deepika is forging ahead:
She has already commenced work on King, starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
Additionally, she has upcoming projects lined up, including collaborations with notable filmmakers and actors.
Her recent statements suggest that going forward, she will prioritize working environments and relationships over mere box office numbers.
Final Word
Deepika Padukone’s subtle but firm statement offers a glimpse into bigger conversations trending in Bollywood: about work culture, gender equity, respect, and boundaries. While she chose not to name names, her message is clear - and it may well prompt the industry to rethink how it treats its leading women.
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