Ever since Deepika Padukone’s exit from the sequel of Kalki: 2898 AD, everyone is eager to know who will be replacing the actress in the Prabhas starrer. While there is no confirmed name as of now, looks
like Sai Pallavi is set to join the movie. If a report by Siasat.com is to be believed, Sai Pallavi might step into the role and is being considered as Deepika’s replacement.
Interestingly, Sai Pallavi has several Bollywood projects also lined up. She will be playing the role of Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, which also stars Ranbir Kapoor and Yash as Ram and Ravan, respectively. Besides this, Sai will also be seen in Ek Din with Aamir Khan’s son, Junaid Khan.
Why Was Deepika Padukone Ousted From Kalki 2?
In September 2025, the makers of Prabhas starrer took to their official X handle and announced Deepika’s exit from the film. The announcement stated that Deepika is no longer a part of the project because a film like Kalki “deserves commitment”.
“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 works,” it read.
Later, several reports claimed that Kalki 2 makers decided to drop Deepika since she was demanding a 25 per cent hike in her fees with a 7-hour work shift. Reportedly, the makers tried to negotiate these two demands of the actress with her, but she remained rigid.
Deepika Padukone Breaks Silence On Kalki 2 Exit
Weeks after her exit from Kalki 2, Deepika Padukone spoke exclusively to CNBC-TV18 when she addressed the ongoing debate surrounding working conditions and pay parity in Bollywood and said, “I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me. I think, even as far as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I don’t even know what to call it, but I am someone who has always fought my battles silently. And for some strange reason, sometimes they become public which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles silently and in a dignified way is the way I know.”
