Bollywood fans were left stunned as Deepika Padukone walked out of director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit, igniting a fiery war of words and social media tension between the star and the filmmaker.
What Really Happened?
Deepika was initially roped in to star opposite Prabhas in Spirit, a high-profile pan-India project. However, sources close to the production revealed that the actress decided to back out due to alleged creative disagreements and issues over her work schedule and remuneration. Reports claimed Deepika requested limited working hours and higher pay for additional shoot days—demands that reportedly didn’t sit well with the director.
Following her exit, Sandeep Reddy Vanga appeared to take a dig at her on social media. Without naming Deepika directly, he accused a certain actor of playing “dirty PR games,” breaching trust, and acting against a younger co-star. His cryptic post quickly caught attention, with many assuming it was aimed at Padukone.
Triptii Dimri Steps In as Replacement
In a swift move, the makers announced that rising star Triptii Dimri—last seen in Vanga’s Animal—would replace Deepika as the female lead. She will now portray a doctor opposite Prabhas. Her casting has been praised by industry figures, including director Ram Gopal Varma, who hailed her as Bollywood’s “next big thing.”
Mixed Reactions Pour In
The controversy has triggered debate across the film industry. While some back Vanga’s stand on professional ethics, others believe airing grievances publicly was unnecessary and unprofessional. The spat has sparked fresh discussions around actor-director dynamics, workplace respect, and the pressure of high-stakes cinema.
As Spirit continues production with its revamped cast, this fallout serves as a reminder that behind the glamour, Bollywood can be just as dramatic off-screen as it is on-screen.
