Why Did Deepika Padukone Leave the ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Sequel?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Deepika Padukone believed she was essential for the sequel.
- Her demands for increased remuneration and luxuries led to her exit.
- The producers are willing to incur extra costs for the film's integrity.
- This situation mirrors her previous exit from 'Spirit'.
- Challenges in her personal life may be affecting her professional decisions.
Mumbai, Sep 18 (NationPress) The departure of Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone from the sequel of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has ignited a flurry of speculation regarding the producer's decision.
According to insights gathered by IANS, Deepika believed she was essential for the film, having completed several sequences during the initial production of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.
A source informed IANS that she sought an increase in her pay, under the assumption that the producers would concede, given her prior involvement in the project.
Nonetheless, claims about her demands for vanity vans and additional luxuries remain disputed. With Deepika’s exit, the production team anticipates extra expenses, yet they are willing to absorb the costs for the greater good of the film.
On Thursday, the film’s creators took to their X account (formerly Twitter) to issue a statement explaining her departure. They wrote, “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. Despite our long collaboration on the first film, we could not establish a partnership. A project like @Kalki2898AD deserves unwavering commitment. We wish her success in her future endeavors.”
This marks her second exit from a film, following her departure from ‘Spirit’, which was to be directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, featuring Prabhas. Reports suggested that she requested an 8-hour workday due to her responsibilities as a mother to her daughter, Dua.
Media sources also reported that disagreements over pay, contract revisions for extended days, and profit-sharing terms led to her exit from ‘Spirit’.
After her departure, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga released a statement on social media, insinuating that Deepika had violated trust by allegedly disclosing sensitive information and criticized what he perceived as “unethical PR tactics,” belittling a younger actress (Deepika was replaced by the rising star Triptii Dimri from ‘Animal’).
This situation unfolds as Deepika faces challenges with her skincare line, while her husband, Ranveer Singh, experiences setbacks with consecutive film losses.