Deepika Padukone's rumoured exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, Spirit, has sparked a major controversy. However, veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam has come to her defense, dismissing the backlash against her demands as unreasonable. Ratnam stated that Padukone's demands, including an eight-hour workday, a ₹20cr fee, and profit-sharing rights, are "rightful" and "an absolute necessity."
Ratnam's statement is not the only support Padukone has received. Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan have also indirectly defended her demands, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and motherhood. Devgn emphasized that most honest filmmakers would not have a problem with Padukone's demands, while Khan shared his own priorities as a father. The industry support for Padukone's demands has sparked a debate about the treatment of actors on film sets and the importance of fair working conditions.
The controversy surrounding Padukone's exit from Spirit has led to Triptii Dimri being announced as the new female lead opposite Prabhas. This marks her second collaboration with director Reddy Vanga after Animal. Meanwhile, Padukone has not made any official statements about the controversy, although Reddy Vanga did take an indirect dig at her.
The debate surrounding Padukone's demands has highlighted the changing dynamics of the film industry, with actors increasingly prioritizing their well-being and fair treatment on set. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how filmmakers and actors navigate these issues in the future.