Days after the makers of Kalki 2 removed Deepika Padukone from the film, CNN-News18 Showsha has now exclusively learnt that the actress had already shot for 20 days for the sequel to Prabhas’ starrer during
the first part shoot of the Prabhas’ starrer. A source close to the production has told us that Deepika demanded a 25 per cent hike in her fees because she was sure that she would not be replaced, considering the attention her character received after the release of Kalki 2898 AD.
“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,” the insider told us.
Deepika Padukone’s Exit From Kalki 2
Vyjayanthi Movies recently confirmed Deepika’s exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel via an official note on X: “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future projects.”
Deepika Padukone Begins King Shoot
Later, Deepika took to her Instagram handle and shared exciting news about reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan for King. She dropped a picture showing their hands clasped together and wrote, “The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago while filming Om Shanti Om was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success. I couldn’t agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I’ve made since. And that’s probably why we’re back making our 6th movie together?”
