Tamannaah Bhatia Stands by Deepika Padukone in Sandeep Reddy Vanga Controversy and Champions Gender Pay Equality

In the ever-evolving world of Bollywood, where drama often spills from the silver screen to social media, a recent controversy has taken center stage. The spotlight is on Tamannaah Bhatia, who has publicly shown her support for Deepika Padukone amid the latter’s highly publicized fallout with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over the film Spirit. Additionally, Tamannaah’s gesture of liking Deepika’s video on rejecting the gender pay gap has sparked conversations about equality in the industry, reinforcing her stance as an advocate for women’s empowerment.

The Spirit Controversy: A Quick Recap

The buzz around Spirit, a much-anticipated film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas, took a dramatic turn when Deepika Padukone exited the project. Reports suggest that Deepika’s departure stemmed from contractual disputes, including her request for an 8-hour workday (with 6 hours of shooting), a reported ₹20 crore fee plus profit-sharing, and additional compensation for shoots exceeding 100 days. These demands reportedly shocked Vanga, leading to her replacement by Triptii Dimri. The situation escalated when Vanga took to X, accusing an unnamed actor—widely speculated to be Deepika—of leaking the film’s plot and undermining Triptii by highlighting the “A-rated” content of the script. His post, which questioned the actor’s “feminism,” ignited a firestorm on social media, with fans divided over the issue.

Deepika, maintaining her signature grace, chose not to engage directly with the controversy. Instead, she shared insights at a Cartier event in Stockholm, emphasizing the importance of listening to her “inner voice” and standing by decisions that bring her peace. This response, coupled with her silence on Vanga’s accusations, showcased her resilience amid the chaos.

Tamannaah Bhatia’s Support for Deepika

Enter Tamannaah Bhatia, who has emerged as a quiet yet powerful ally in this saga. The Baahubali star liked Deepika’s video on social media, where the latter spoke passionately about rejecting the gender pay gap in Bollywood. This small but significant gesture signals Tamannaah’s solidarity with Deepika, not just in the context of the Spirit row but also in the broader fight for equality in the entertainment industry.

Tamannaah’s support is particularly noteworthy given her own vocal advocacy for gender equality. In a March 2025 interview with Hindustan Times, she expressed frustration over the constant struggle to empower women, stating, “There’s too much of a struggle to empower us.” She emphasized the need for women to take ownership of their empowerment and inspire others without the burden of proving their worth. By aligning herself with Deepika’s stance, Tamannaah reinforces her commitment to challenging outdated norms in Bollywood, where female actors have historically faced disparities in pay and opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

The Gender Pay Gap Debate in Bollywood

Deepika Padukone’s reported ₹20 crore fee for Spirit—potentially surpassing even her husband Ranveer Singh’s recent earnings—marked a significant milestone in Bollywood’s journey toward pay parity. This figure placed her among the highest-paid actresses in the industry, alongside peers like Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt, who have also been vocal about closing the gender pay gap. However, the controversy surrounding her exit from Spirit highlights the challenges female actors face when asserting their worth. Critics of Deepika labeled her demands as “unprofessional,” while supporters argued that her requests were justified given her star power and status as a new mother balancing professional and personal commitments.

Tamannaah’s endorsement of Deepika’s video underscores the broader issue of gender inequality in Bollywood. In her Hindustan Times interview, Tamannaah noted that while the industry is making progress toward pay parity, the struggle remains palpable. Her support for Deepika sends a clear message: female actors deserve to be compensated fairly and respected for setting professional boundaries, just as their male counterparts often are.

A History of Solidarity

This isn’t the first time Tamannaah and Deepika have shared a moment of camaraderie. Back in 2020, Tamannaah publicly cheered for Deepika during the promotions of Chhapaak, calling her an inspiration and sharing a heartfelt Instagram post about their “fun conversations.” Their bond was further highlighted during the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where they danced the ghoomar together at the Indian pavilion, joined by Pooja Hegde and Urvashi Rautela. These instances reflect a genuine connection between the two actresses, rooted in mutual respect and shared values.

Why This Matters

The Spirit controversy and Tamannaah’s support for Deepika go beyond mere celebrity gossip. They shine a light on the systemic issues plaguing Bollywood, particularly the double standards faced by female actors. When Deepika set boundaries—whether for her time, compensation, or comfort with a project’s content—she was met with criticism, while similar demands from male actors often go unquestioned. Tamannaah’s gesture, though subtle, amplifies the call for a more equitable industry where women can advocate for themselves without fear of backlash.

Moreover, the controversy raises questions about the narrative surrounding “bold” content in films. Reports suggesting Deepika’s discomfort with Spirit’s A-rated scenes led to accusations that she was “slut-shaming” Triptii Dimri, who agreed to the role. Fans on social media rallied in Triptii’s defense, arguing that no actor should be judged for their choices in roles. Tamannaah’s support for Deepika, however, suggests a nuanced perspective—one that champions women’s autonomy to make decisions that align with their values, whether that means taking on bold roles or opting out of them.

Looking Ahead

As Spirit moves forward with Triptii Dimri and Prabhas, the film remains a hot topic, fueled by Vanga’s reputation for blockbusters like Animal and the ongoing debate over his directorial style. Meanwhile, Deepika continues to command respect as a trailblazer, both on-screen and off-screen, with her recent projects like Kalki 2898 AD and her role as a new mother to Dua Padukone Singh. Tamannaah, fresh off her work in Odela 2, continues to balance her career across Bollywood and South Indian cinema while advocating for change.

The support between these two actresses is a reminder that solidarity among women in Bollywood can drive meaningful change. By standing together, they challenge the industry to rethink its approach to gender dynamics, pay parity, and professional respect. As fans, we can only hope that this moment sparks further conversations and actions toward a more inclusive and equitable Bollywood.

What are your thoughts on Tamannaah’s support for Deepika and the broader issue of gender pay parity in Bollywood? Drop a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going!

Sources: Hindustan Times, India.com, Times of India