Deepika Padukone breaks silence amid Spirit fallout with Sandeep Reddy Vanga: 'Standing by my decision gives me peace'

Deepika Padukone abruptly left Sandeep Reddy Vanga's next police thriller Spirit, ending a much-speculated potential partnership. The dispute between the actor and filmmaker has gone public, with Vanga subtly criticising Padukone's "unprofessionalism" and "dirty PR games" on various social media platforms. Although the actor's camp has not yet commented publicly, the star seemed to touch on the subject in passing during recent interviews.

Deepika Padukone's first public appearance since Spirit controversy

Padukone attended a Cartier event on Tuesday, where she took part in a behind-the-scenes talk, marking her first public appearance since the scandal. According to her, "I think what keeps me balanced is just being truthful and authentic." She seemed to be referring to the circumstance without mentioning anyone or the project. The actor added, "Whenever I am faced with complicated or difficult situations… To be able to listen to my inner voice, make decisions and stand by decisions that really give me a lot of peace. That is when I feel most in equilibrium."

"I just listen to my gut, what feels right. I think it’s easier said than done. But when you shut out the noise around you and you listen to just your gut, I think the answers are always there. Wanting to collaborate with people that I know I am going to have a good time working with. Being surrounded by family and friends and being authentic is how I think I am able to find my balance," she said in another interview with Harper's Bazaar.

She added, "Standing by my decision gives me a lot of peace."

Alleged contractual disagreements spark controversy

Speculation has it that Padukone allegedly rejected the part of Prabhas' co-star in Spirit when her demands weren't satisfied, which has led to the current issue. Bollywood Hungama states that the actor's management sought extra payment for each day beyond a 100-day timetable and that the star herself refused to film for more than eight hours per day. The producers cast Triptii Dimri as her replacement following the controversy.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s sharp response on social media

X (formerly Twitter) was where Vanga posted a sharply written message on May 26. The note made explicit references to the situation but did not mention Deepika by name. "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? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft, & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it. Aisa karo…. Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha. #dirtyPRgames. I like this kahawath very much :-) खुंदक में बिल्ली खंबा नोचे!"

Many people had different opinions after seeing the director's message. Some thought Padukone was trying to deflect attention away from herself by calling her a "unbothered queen" following her Cartier appearance, while others said she was just trying to boost her public image.

The actor's camp has yet to issue a statement responding to the Spirit director's remarks.