Bold scenes or low pay: Why did Deepika Padukone walk away from ‘Spirit’; Vanga calls it ‘dirty PR games’
Controversy continues to swirl around ‘Spirit’, the upcoming film by ‘Animal’ director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Just days after reports appeared that actress Deepika Padukone was ‘dropped’ from the project due to her ‘unprofessional’ demands; including eight-hour workdays, a high salary, and a share in the film’s profits; Vanga has shared a social media post, accusing the actress of engaging in “dirty PR games”.
In a post shared on X, Vanga wrote that Deepika had violated an unspoken Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) following story narration sessions.
“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100 per cent faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you have disclosed the person that you are,” he wrote.
His post further criticised the actress for allegedly undermining a younger actor and questioned her interpretation of feminism.
“Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?” Vanga added.
“As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft and for me, filmmaking is everything. You did not get it. You would not get it. You will never get it.”
He concluded the post, saying, “Aisa karo… Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi fark nahi padta (Next time, tell the whole story… because I really do not care),” along with the hashtag #dirtyPRgames.
According to reports by Bollywood Hungama, Vanga was ‘shocked’ when Deepika reportedly refused to work more than six hours a day. Additionally, her agency allegedly sought changes in the contract, demanding extra payment for any shooting beyond 100 days.
Amid the fallout, Vanga announced on May 24 that ‘Animal’ actress Triptii Dimri would replace Deepika as the female lead in ‘Spirit’. Though production has yet to begin and is reportedly facing delays.
Once ‘Spirit’ wraps, Vanga is expected to move on to ‘Animal Park’, the sequel to his 2023 blockbuster.
As of now, Deepika has not publicly responded to the allegations or her reported exit from the film.
Entertainment