The news of Deepika Padukone being removed from the highly anticipated Kalki 2898 AD sequel has left fans and the industry curious. According to latest update, the actress had already shot for 20 days for Part 2 during the first schedule of the Prabhas-starrer. A source close to the production revealed that Deepika had requested a 25 per cent hike in her fees, believing she was indispensable after the attention her character received in the first film.
A source told News18, “Deepika Padukone’s demand for a pay hike (significantly higher than 25%) stemmed from her conviction that she is irreplaceable. The real turning point lay in how her management approached the negotiations. Deepika was fully aware of the sequel and the strong, performance-driven role created for her. In fact, she had already filmed nearly 20 days of Part 2 while shooting Part 1 – something director Nag Ashwin himself confirmed in several media interactions. Her schedule for the next phase was always meant to be decided mutually, so the claim of a date clash holds no merit.”
Earlier, a source from Deepika’s side shared that she herself decided to leave the project after her role was reduced to a mere cameo. This is exactly opposite to current claims.
Prabhas Not Involved In The Decision
Deepika’s exit marks the second time she has left a Prabhas-led project, following Sandeep Vanga’s Spirit. Initial rumours pointed to scheduling conflicts or creative differences, but reports now suggest financial negotiations played a key role. The massive budget for Prabhas’s salary reportedly strained the production, and Deepika’s fee hike may have led the makers to drop her.
Sources close to the actor confirmed to 123 Telugu that Prabhas had no role in her exit, putting fan speculation to rest. Audiences are now eager to see which actress will take her place opposite Prabhas in the sequel.
Deepika Padukone Shoots For King
After her departure, Deepika shared news on Instagram about her next project, King, reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Deepika Padukone reflected on the first lesson Shah Rukh Khan taught her nearly 18 years ago during Om Shanti Om. She said that the experience of making a film and the people you work with are far more important than the movie’s success. She added that she has followed this principle in every decision since, which is why she is now collaborating with him on their sixth film together.
