Deepika Padukone Addresses Spirit Controversy and Shares Collaboration Goals

The Bollywood rumor mill has been buzzing lately, and at the center of it all is the much-anticipated film Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas. What started as excitement over Deepika Padukone potentially starring opposite Prabhas has spiraled into a heated controversy involving Triptii Dimri’s casting, alleged contract disputes, and fiery social media exchanges. Amid this storm, Deepika has chosen to rise above the noise, sharing her philosophy on decision-making and hinting at the kind of people she wants to collaborate with in the future. Here’s a breakdown of the drama and Deepika’s graceful response.

The Spirit Controversy: What Happened?

Spirit, a cop action drama backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, was initially set to feature Deepika Padukone as the female lead opposite Telugu superstar Prabhas. This would have marked their second collaboration after the sci-fi hit Kalki 2898 AD. However, reports surfaced last week that Deepika exited the project, sparking a wave of speculation and debate. According to sources cited by Bollywood Hungama, Deepika’s team requested a capped 8-hour workday (with six hours of shooting), a hefty ₹20 crore fee, profit-sharing, and expressed reluctance to deliver Telugu dialogues. These demands reportedly clashed with Vanga’s vision and working style, leading to her departure from the film.

Enter Triptii Dimri, who was announced as the new female lead on May 24, 2025, by Vanga and T-Series. Triptii, who previously worked with Vanga on the controversial yet successful Animal, expressed her excitement on Instagram, calling it a “career-defining moment” and thanking Vanga for trusting her with the role. Fans were thrilled, with some calling it “huge” and others welcoming her to “RebelWood.” However, the celebration was short-lived as a Pinkvilla report detailed Spirit’s A-rated plot, including “bold scenes” that both Prabhas and Triptii had agreed to. This report reignited tensions, with Vanga taking to X to accuse an unnamed actor—widely speculated to be Deepika—of leaking the script and “putting down a younger actor” like Triptii.

Vanga’s post didn’t stop there. He questioned the actor’s professionalism and even took a jab at their “feminism,” suggesting they violated an “unsaid NDA” by leaking story details. This led to a polarized response online. Some netizens accused Deepika of orchestrating a PR campaign to tarnish Triptii’s image, while others slammed Vanga for what they called “misogynistic” remarks. Fans of Triptii also voiced concern over the unfair “slut-shaming” she faced amid the controversy, emphasizing that she deserved better.

Deepika’s Response: Staying True to Her Inner Voice

While the internet was ablaze with opinions, Deepika Padukone chose a different path. On May 27, 2025, she attended a Cartier event in Stockholm as the brand’s ambassador. In an interview with Vogue Arabia, she spoke about her approach to navigating tricky situations, a statement that many interpreted as a subtle response to the Spirit drama. “I think what keeps me balanced is just being truthful, being authentic,” Deepika said. “Whenever I am faced with complicated situations or difficult situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and just make decisions, stand by decisions that really give me peace.”

Sources close to Deepika, as reported by Hindustan Times, defended her, stating that her demands were reasonable given her status as a new mother (she welcomed her daughter, Dua, with Ranveer Singh in September 2024) and her commitment to work-life balance. They argued that the media’s portrayal of her as “unprofessional” was exaggerated, emphasizing her need to balance professional obligations with caring for her newborn. Deepika has not directly addressed Vanga’s accusations or the Spirit controversy, choosing instead to focus on her values and future goals.

Who Does Deepika Want to Collaborate With?

In the same Vogue Arabia interview, Deepika hinted at her vision for future collaborations, though specific names or projects weren’t mentioned in the context of the Spirit controversy. Her emphasis on authenticity and peace suggests she values working with individuals and teams who share her commitment to meaningful storytelling and mutual respect. As someone who runs The Live Love Laugh Foundation for mental health awareness and has advocated for work-life balance, Deepika seems poised to prioritize projects that align with her personal and professional ethos.

Triptii Dimri’s Big Moment

Meanwhile, Triptii Dimri is basking in the spotlight. Her casting in Spirit is a significant milestone, with reports indicating she’s earning ₹4-6 crore for the role—her highest paycheck yet. In the film, she’ll reportedly play a doctor who falls in love with Prabhas’s intense cop character, promising a mix of action and bold romantic elements. This marks her second collaboration with Vanga, and fans are eager to see how their creative partnership evolves after Animal. Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma also praised Vanga’s decision to cast Triptii, calling her “the next big thing in Bollywood.”

What’s Next for Spirit?

Spirit is currently in pre-production, with filming set to begin in October 2025 and a tentative release slated for 2027. The film promises to be a high-octane action drama, with Prabhas as a fiery police officer and Triptii as his love interest. While the controversy has cast a shadow, it’s also generated immense buzz, ensuring that all eyes will be on Vanga’s next move.

Final Thoughts

The Spirit saga highlights the complexities of Bollywood’s behind-the-scenes dynamics, where creative differences, media narratives, and fan reactions can create a perfect storm. Deepika Padukone’s decision to focus on authenticity and inner peace is a reminder that staying true to oneself can be a powerful response to chaos. As Triptii Dimri steps into the spotlight and Sandeep Reddy Vanga pushes forward with his vision, Spirit is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the coming years. What do you think about this controversy? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates on Spirit and Bollywood’s biggest stories!

Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from Hindustan Times, Bollywood Hungama, Pinkvilla, and other sources, as well as posts on X. The information reflects the current sentiment and may not be conclusive.