Ajay Devgn Supports Deepika Padukone Amid Spirit Exit Controversy Over Work Hour Demands

Ajay Devgn Supports Deepika Padukone Amid Spirit Exit Controversy Over Work Hour Demands

Last Updated May - 29 - 2025, 05:19 PM | Source : Fela News

Ajay Devgn backs Deepika Padukone’s reported eight-hour workday demand following her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. The film replaces her with Triptii

Actor Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit has stirred widespread speculation and debate on social media recently. According to several anonymous sources, Deepika’s departure was due to what some described as her ‘unprofessional’ demands, including a refusal to work more than eight hours a day. In response to the controversy, actor Ajay Devgn came forward in support of Deepika during the trailer launch of Maa, a new horror thriller starring Kajol, where he is also a co-producer.

Ajay Devgn’s Remarks
When asked about Deepika’s reported eight-hour workday demand, Ajay said, “This demand isn’t unusual. Most honest filmmakers wouldn’t have a problem with it. Being a mother and working an eight-hour shift is common now, and many people work eight to nine-hour shifts.” He added, “It depends on the person, and I believe most of the industry understands this.”

About the Controversy
Deepika was initially signed to star opposite Prabhas in Spirit, marking her second Telugu pan-India project after Kalki 2898 AD, which also featured Prabhas. However, reports last week indicated she left the project after her demands weren’t met. Deepika has not publicly commented on her exit. Subsequently, Triptii Dimri was officially announced as her replacement opposite Prabhas. Triptii had previously collaborated with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga on Animal.

Following the news, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration over the script being leaked to the media. Without naming anyone directly, he criticized the ‘dirty PR games’ and wrote, “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unspoken NDA between us. But by leaking it, you reveal who you are... Discrediting a younger actor and undermining my story? Is this what your feminism means?”

Spirit is being produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, with Prabhas playing a fierce and intense police officer. The film is currently in pre-production and is scheduled to begin shooting in 2025.

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