Deepika Padukone has started shooting for Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King. She shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, which many fans think is a subtle response to her exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel.
Deepika Padukone Talks About Lessons Learnt From SRK After Her Exit From Kalki 2898 AD Sequel
On Saturday, Deepika posted a close-up photo of herself holding Shah Rukh’s hand and recalled their long history together. She wrote, “The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago while filming Om Shanti Om was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success.”
She added, “I couldn’t agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I’ve made since. And that’s probably why we’re back making our 6th movie together? #king #day1 @iamsrk @s1danand.” Her husband Ranveer Singh reacted, saying, “Bestest Besties! (Halo face, nazar amulet and red heart emojis).”
Check out her post below
Deepika and Shah Rukh have worked together in Om Shanti Om, Happy New Year, Chennai Express, Jawan, and Pathaan. While her note did not directly mention the Kalki 2898 AD controversy, many saw it as a response to claims of a lack of commitment. Some reports suggested she left because of higher fee demands and strict working hours, but other sources said she opted out after her role was reduced to a cameo.
Fans quickly reacted. One wrote, “Such a slap on the face of the haters.” Another said, “What a beautiful and subtle reply to all those down south trying to tarnish her name, it says so much without saying too much.” A third added, “Not a big fan, but that woman was pregnant during the filming of Kalki—if that doesn’t speak about commitment, I don’t know what does.”
Deepika’s Exit From Kalki Sequel
Deepika began shooting for King soon after Vyjayanthi Movies announced her exit from Kalki 2898 AD. The makers said, “After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. A film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves a higher level of commitment. We wish her the best with her future works.”
Deepika was part of the first Kalki 2898 AD alongside Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan. The 2024 sci-fi epic, directed by Nag Ashwin, earned around Rs 1,100 crore worldwide due to its high-end visual effects and wide overseas release.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, King also stars Suhana Khan, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma. Deepika is also set to appear with Allu Arjun in Atlee’s upcoming sci-fi actioner AA22 x A6.
