Introduction: The Bollywood Feud That Took Over Social Media
Bollywood is no stranger to controversies, but the recent fallout between Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga over the film Spirit has taken the industry by storm. What started as a casting decision quickly escalated into a public feud, with Vanga calling out Padukone on social media and fans debating the ethics of the situation.
Adding fuel to the fire, Triptii Dimri was announced as Padukone’s replacement, leading to further speculation about the film’s direction and the behind-the-scenes drama. So, what really happened? Let’s break it down.
Deepika Padukone’s Exit From Spirit: What Went Wrong?
Initially, Deepika Padukone was cast as the female lead opposite Prabhas in Spirit, a high-intensity action thriller directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. However, reports surfaced that Padukone had backed out of the project, citing contractual disagreements and work-life balance concerns.
Key Reasons Behind Deepika’s Exit
1️⃣ Work Hours Dispute – Padukone allegedly requested a six-hour daily shoot limit, which did not align with the film’s demanding schedule. 2️⃣ Salary & Profit-Sharing – Reports suggest she demanded ₹20 crore along with a share in the film’s profits, which led to disagreements. 3️⃣ Telugu Dialogue Concerns – Sources claim Padukone was hesitant about delivering lines in Telugu, which was a crucial aspect of the film. 4️⃣ Bold Scenes Controversy – Rumors indicate that Spirit features intense, A-rated sequences, which may have contributed to Padukone’s discomfort.
While Padukone has remained silent on the matter, insiders suggest that her new motherhood played a role in her decision to prioritize personal commitments over the film’s demanding schedule.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga‘s Explosive Reaction
Following Padukone’s exit, Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration. In a cryptic yet pointed post, he accused an unnamed actor of violating an unspoken NDA and putting down a younger co-star.
Vanga’s Viral Tweet
“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”
This statement sparked massive debate, with some supporting Vanga’s stance while others criticized him for publicly shaming Padukone.
Triptii Dimri Steps In: The New Female Lead of Spirit
Amid the controversy, Triptii Dimri was officially announced as the new female lead in Spirit. Dimri, who previously worked with Vanga in Animal, expressed her excitement on social media, stating:
“Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga… Honoured to be a part of your vision.”
Why Triptii Dimri Was Chosen?
✅ Comfort With Bold Scenes – Reports suggest Dimri was more comfortable with the film’s intense sequences. ✅ Strong Working Relationship With Vanga – Having worked together in Animal, Dimri shares a good rapport with the director. ✅ Fresh Pairing With Prabhas – Dimri’s casting brings a new dynamic to the film, making it an exciting watch.
However, Dimri’s involvement has also led to unwarranted criticism, with some fans slut-shaming her for taking on a bold role. Many have come to her defense, arguing that an actor’s choice of roles should not define their character.

The Bigger Picture: What This Feud Means for Bollywood
The Deepika Padukone vs Sandeep Reddy Vanga controversy highlights several key issues in Bollywood:
🔹 Power Struggles Between Directors & Actors – The clash between creative vision and actor demands is becoming more frequent. 🔹 Gender Politics in Bollywood – Vanga’s “Is this feminism?” remark sparked debate on how female actors are treated in the industry. 🔹 Social Media’s Role in Film Controversies – Public feuds are now amplified by social media, making private disputes highly public.
While Spirit continues its production with Triptii Dimri, the controversy surrounding Padukone’s exit remains a hot topic in Bollywood circles.
Final Thoughts: Will Spirit Overcome the Controversy?
Despite the drama, Spirit remains one of the most anticipated films of 2025. With Prabhas in the lead, Triptii Dimri stepping in, and Sandeep Reddy Vanga‘s signature storytelling, the film promises to be a high-octane cinematic experience.
However, the Deepika Padukone controversy has left a lasting impact. Whether the film thrives or struggles under the weight of this feud remains to be seen.
What do you think about this controversy? Let us know in the comments!
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