The ongoing controversy between actress Deepika Padukone and Spirit director Sandeep Reddy Vanga shows no signs of slowing down. While Deepika has refrained from making direct comments, her recent statement at an event subtly reflected her stance. “I stand firm on my decisions, and that gives me mental peace,” she said—an apparent reference to the behind-the-scenes conflict surrounding the film.
Tamannaah Bhatia’s Silent Support
Adding fuel to the conversation, actress Tamannaah Bhatia recently liked a reel on social media that subtly supports Deepika. The video highlights key issues faced by women in the entertainment industry, including the gender pay gap, long working hours, and biased behavior. The reel also featured a clip from a Chhapaak press event where Deepika was asked if her husband Ranveer Singh had financed the film. She strongly replied, “This is my own earnings, who told you that he invested money?”—making a strong statement against gender assumptions and financial dependency narratives.
The Root of the Conflict
The controversy began when Deepika reportedly requested that her working hours on Spirit be limited to six hours a day. This did not sit well with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who allegedly considered her demand “unprofessional.” While he did not name Deepika directly in subsequent social media posts, he made cryptic references suggesting she was the cause of trouble on the set. Following leaks of the film’s story and plotlines, Vanga hinted that the actress was responsible and soon announced Tripti Dimri as the new female lead.
Deepika’s Career and Comeback
On the professional front, Deepika was last seen in Singham Again before taking a break following the birth of her daughter. She is now preparing for a return to acting. Buzz suggests she may soon star in King opposite Shah Rukh Khan, though no official confirmation has been made yet.
