• By Tanya Garg
  • Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:57 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Mani Ratnam DEFENDS Deepika Padukone: Actress Deepika Padukone's sudden exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's eagerly awaited pan-India movie Spirit has caused a commotion. Many in the industry are now supporting the actress despite unverified claims that she made a number of 'unprofessional' demands, such as refusing to give dialogue in Telugu, demanding an 8-hour workday, and requesting a profit share along with a fee of Rs 20 crore.

Mani Ratnam publicly came in support of Deepika Padukone. He brushed off the criticism as unjustified when discussing the backlash she's getting in conversation with News18."I think it is a rightful demand. 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 unreasonable thing to ask, but an absolute necessity. You have to acknowledge that, understand it and work around it (sic),"  he said.

Mani Ratnam's backing of Deepika Padukone's stance has led to a great deal of discussion on sustainable working practices in Bollywood, especially for new parents.

Ajay Devgn already offered his thoughts on the purported 8-hour shift requirement that Deepika Padukone supposedly demanded. He supported the concept, highlighting parenting and work-life balance. The actor said, "It's not that it's not going down well with people. 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 8-9 hour shifts (sic)."

ALSO READ - Ajay Devgn, Kajol Back 8-Hour Shift For Mothers Amid Deepika Padukone's Exit From Spirit: 'Honest Filmmakers Won't Have Problem...'

Saif Ali Khan, on the other hand, 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."

Deepika Padukone - Sandeep Reddy Vanga Controversy

Triptii Dimri replaced Deepika Padukone to reportedly play a hot doctor in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's movie, Spirit. 

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Triptii Dimri (@tripti_dimri)

ALSO READ - Spirit: Triptii Dimri Did Not Even Charge Half Of Deepika Padukone's Massive Rs 20 Crore Paycheck; How Much Did She Earn?

The renowned filmmaker has called out the actress without directly naming her. He also called out her 'dirty PR games' in a tweet on X (previously Twitter). Sandeep Reddy Vanga said, "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?"

Spirit will shortly be going on floors. Bhadrakali Pictures and T-Series are producing it.