Deepika Padukone’s rumoured exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated pan-India film Spirit has stirred a storm online. While unconfirmed reports claim the actor made several “unprofessional” demands, including an 8-hour workday, a Rs 20 crore fee, profit-sharing rights, and refusal to deliver dialogues in Telugu, many in the industry are now stepping up to back the Pathaan star.Mani Ratnam backs DeepikaVeteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam, who previously directed Deepika in Ponniyin Selvan II, has come out in strong support of the actor. Speaking to us about the backlash she’s receiving, he dismissed the criticism as unwarranted.“I think it is a rightful demand,” Ratnam told News 18. “I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it. I think as a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when you cast. It is not an unreasonable thing to ask, but an absolute necessity. You have to acknowledge that, understand it and work around it.”Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan echo similar viewsEarlier, Ajay Devgn also weighed in on the reported 8-hour shift clause that Deepika allegedly insisted on. Drawing attention to work-life balance and motherhood, he defended the idea.“It’s not that it’s not going down well with people,” he said. “Most of the honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. And apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight-nine hour shifts.”On the other hand, Saif Ali Khan said, “I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That’s not success. Success is being able to say, ‘No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with them.”‘ Triptii Dimri steps in as Deepika exitsFollowing reports of Deepika’s exit, the makers of Spirit officially announced Triptii Dimri as the new female lead opposite Prabhas. This marks her second collaboration with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga after the blockbuster Animal. Meanwhile, Deepika, currently seen in Kalki 2898 AD, has yet to release an official statement regarding her departure.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga reacts to script leakIn what appeared to be a cryptic response to the controversy, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to Twitter to express frustration over an apparent script leak. Without naming names, he alluded to betrayal and questioned the intentions behind the fallout.“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are…. Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?” he posted.
