Deepika Padukone Exits Kalki 2? Actress Faces Consecutive Project Losses Post Motherhood: Report

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is reportedly facing back-to-back challenges in her career following the birth of her daughter, Dua Padukone Singh. According to a report by Bollywood.mobi, Deepika’s request for shorter working hours to focus on her newborn has allegedly led to tensions on film sets. As a result, her role in the highly anticipated sequel Kalki 2 may be reduced or even removed.

This news follows her confirmed exit from Spirit, directed by Animal filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Rumors of creative clashes between the two had already gained traction, and now, this second potential project loss is sparking concern over its impact on Deepika’s career trajectory.

The first installment, Kalki 2898 AD, was a blockbuster, grossing over ₹1,042 crore globally. Featuring stars like Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, the film built immense anticipation for its sequel. However, with Deepika's focus currently on raising her daughter, reports suggest production for Kalki 2 might be delayed.

Deepika has previously shared her desire to raise her child hands-on, following the example set by her own mother. While some speculate that this commitment to family is clashing with the demanding schedules of big-budget films, others believe she’s simply setting boundaries.

Director Nag Ashwin had earlier emphasized Deepika’s crucial role in the Kalki storyline, calling her character “the backbone” of the sequel. He stated that it would be difficult to proceed without her, casting uncertainty over the project's future.

Online, fans have shared mixed reactions. Many are supportive of Deepika’s decision to prioritize motherhood and are calling for the industry to show more flexibility. “Even top stars deserve work-life balance,” one user commented, while another questioned, “How will they portray the mother’s role without her?”

Some users also drew attention to fair compensation and gender equality. Referencing Deepika’s previous statements about pay disparity in Bollywood, one fan noted, “She deserves flexibility and equal pay — this is just basic respect.”

The Spirit Fallout

Deepika Padukone’s departure from Spirit has also made headlines. While she hasn’t publicly addressed the issue, a resurfaced interview highlights her firm stance on fair pay. In the clip, she explained that she had previously walked away from a film because she was not offered compensation on par with her male co-stars, despite liking the script.

While the Spirit director did not name her directly, he posted a cryptic message accusing a lead actress of leaking story details and showing a lack of respect.

Reports indicate that Deepika was originally cast opposite Prabhas for Spirit and was offered a record-breaking ₹20 crore — her highest pay yet. However, she is now said to be replaced by rising star Triptii Dimri, allegedly at a much lower fee.

With two major films reportedly off her slate, questions are swirling about Deepika’s future in the industry. But as fans rally behind her and conversations around flexibility and fairness gain traction, her story may signal a broader shift in how Bollywood supports working mothers.