Deepika Padukone On Walking Away From Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit

Deepika Padukone On Walking Away From Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit
What makes one of India’s biggest stars back out of mega-budget films worth ₹500 crore? Deepika Padukone has finally revealed the answer. In a recent conversation, the actress spoke about the dramatic shift in her priorities, explaining why she chose to exit two high-profile projects—Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit.
Her reasons have nothing to do with money or scale, but with something Bollywood rarely discusses openly: a fair, healthy work culture.
“I’m Not Chasing ₹100–₹500 Crore Films Anymore”
In her interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Deepika explained that big numbers no longer impress her. Whether it’s a ₹100 crore project or a ₹600 crore spectacle, she no longer picks films based solely on commercial heft.
Instead, she’s drawn toward stories, people, and environments where creativity is valued over chaos.
She emphasised that her current phase is about instinct, honesty, and meaningful collaboration, not monetary scale.

This marks a notable evolution in Deepika’s journey—one of Bollywood’s most bankable actors choosing inner alignment over box-office expectations. – Deepika Padukone On Walking Away From Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit
Championing New Talent Takes Priority
Deepika, through her banner KA Productions, has already backed films like Chhapaak and 83, and she plans to push that vision forward.
She shared that empowering writers, directors, and young producers is where her heart lies now. Supporting emerging voices, nurturing new ideas, and enabling unique stories gives her a sense of purpose that blockbuster budgets cannot.
She added that neither high pay cheques nor large-scale sets guarantee authenticity. If a project does not resonate with her truth, she simply won’t do it. Conversely, even if something is small in scale, she will commit to it wholeheartedly if she believes in the people creating it.
Why She Said No To Two Massive Films: Health Over Hustle
Deepika addressed a long-standing problem in Bollywood—the glorification of overwork. She believes the industry often mistakes exhaustion for dedication and normalises unhealthy work schedules.
She insisted that an eight-hour workday is more than enough for a human body and that sustainable working conditions are crucial for long-term creativity.
Her stance reportedly influenced her decision to step back from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD, as discussions around equal pay and regulated working hours were central concerns.
“Burnt-out people don’t contribute effectively,” she noted, highlighting the need for well-being in a field fuelled by relentless intensity. – Deepika Padukone On Walking Away From Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit
What’s Next For Deepika?
Despite stepping away from these major films, Deepika continues to remain one of Bollywood’s most sought-after stars. She is now gearing up to reunite with Shah Rukh Khan in the upcoming action-entertainer King, reigniting their hit pairing once again.
The Films She Walked Away From
-
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, also stars Amitabh Bachchan in a significant role.
-
Spirit, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, remains one of the most anticipated upcoming projects.
Official updates on both films are awaited.
Deepika Padukone On Walking Away From Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit
Read More
🧐🎭
Goggle tv 🔥🔥
Deepika 💥