Bollywood star Deepika Padukone will not feature in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, confirmed production house Vyjayanthi Movies.
The banner stated that while they valued the journey of making the first film, they were “unable to find a partnership” that matched the sequel’s vision and wished the actress well for future films.
Reports suggest her exit was linked to heightened demands. Deepika allegedly sought a 25% hike in remuneration, a reduced seven-hour workday, and five-star accommodations for a 25-member crew. Producers reportedly offered her a luxury vanity van to balance longer hours, but negotiations fell through. Sources noted that these requests created budget concerns for the studio.
This isn’t the first time her professional choices have made news. Earlier, she walked away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit—also opposite Prabhas—after disagreements over pay, profit-sharing, and language requirements. Vanga indirectly criticized her on social media soon after.
Deepika, who welcomed daughter Dua last year with husband Ranveer Singh, has spoken about prioritizing motherhood. In interviews, she shared how her daughter has shifted her focus, even declining meetings to be with her child. These decisions, she said, were sometimes met with skepticism within the industry.
With her departure, speculation now surrounds who will replace her in the sequel directed by Nag Ashwin. Deepika was last seen in Singham Again (2024).
(Also read: Deepika Padukone Will Have To Spend 73 LAKHS For Her Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star?)
