Mumbai:
Bollywood has found itself at the center of yet another heated controversy, this time involving one of the industry’s biggest stars, Deepika Padukone, and celebrated director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The actress’s exit from Vanga’s upcoming film ‘Spirit’ reportedly due to disagreements over work conditions has triggered a storm of reactions across social media.
Deepika’s Exit from ‘Spirit’: A Matter of Boundaries
According to industry sources, Deepika Padukone opted out of ‘Spirit’, starring Prabhas in the lead, after requesting an eight-hour workday and considerations related to her recent transition into motherhood. The actress reportedly felt that her requests were not met with the professionalism or understanding she expected.
Though Padukone has not directly named the film or the people involved, her public statements on respecting work-life balance and fair treatment in the industry were widely interpreted as referring to her experience with ‘Spirit’.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga Fires Back
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga responded with a cryptic but pointed post on social media, calling out an unnamed actress for playing “dirty PR games” and trying to tarnish the film’s name. While he did not explicitly mention Padukone, the timing and tone of the post made it clear to most observers that the message was directed at her.
“Unprofessional behavior wrapped in a PR narrative doesn’t change facts,” Vanga wrote, fueling online debate.
Social Media Reacts: Support, Criticism, and Warnings
The backlash was swift and split. While many fans and industry voices backed Padukone for standing up for healthy work conditions, others rallied behind Vanga, praising him for refusing to bow to what they saw as celebrity demands. The phrase “Don’t mess with Sandeep Reddy Vanga” began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with supporters emphasizing the director’s no-nonsense attitude.
On the other side, actors, activists, and working women praised Padukone for prioritizing balance and setting an example for equitable workplace norms in an industry often accused of overworking its artists.
Industry Voices Weigh In
Veteran actors like Kajol and Ajay Devgn also joined the conversation. Kajol stated, “Every working woman has the right to ask for humane hours whether she’s an actress or a corporate professional.” Devgn echoed the sentiment: “Honest filmmakers will never have a problem with boundaries.”
Also Read: Norway Chess 2025: Gukesh Defeats Caruana in Birthday Thriller, Carlsen Overpowers Erigaisi!
Their comments brought added attention to the need for a culture shift in film production one that respects the personal lives of performers, especially women returning to work after significant life events like childbirth.
A Larger Debate: Fairness and Flexibility in Bollywood
This incident has sparked broader conversations about workplace norms in the Indian film industry. Critics argue that it reflects a deep-rooted issue of outdated expectations, particularly around women’s roles and their autonomy on set.
Supporters of Padukone see her actions as part of a growing movement of actors demanding professionalism, transparency, and compassion in an industry long plagued by power imbalances.
While it remains unclear who will replace Padukone in ‘Spirit’, the controversy has undoubtedly put both the actress and the director in the spotlight for very different reasons. Whether this rift will lead to a larger industry reckoning or simply pass as another flashpoint in Bollywood’s ever-active drama cycle remains to be seen.
