Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, looking thoughtful or pensive, symbolizing the challenges and choices faced by working mothers in demanding industries.
10 Most Aspiring Women Leaders in India 2025
10 Most Aspiring Women Leaders in India 2025

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is reportedly stepping away from two major film projects – Spirit and Kalki 2. Deepika recently transitioned into motherhood. According to sources, Deepika has requested shorter work hours to focus more on her newborn baby girl, Dua Padukone Singh. This has led to tensions on the set.

The news is circulating about her potential exit from Kalki 2. This is the sequel to “Kalki 2898 AD”, which crossed over 1,000 crore globally and was a superhit among the audience. Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan also played major characters in the movie.

Director Nag Ashwin emphasised Deepika’s role as the backbone of the film. With her departure, the narrative of the sequel might be significantly impacted. He also added the sequel would be incomplete without her.

Being a mother to a newborn child, she is prioritising raising her child personally, mirroring the approach of her own mother. This choice has led to professional challenges; this highlights the broader conversation about the work-life balance of women, especially in demanding sectors.

The Spirit controversy also sparked debate online. In an interview, she disclosed that she skipped an offer because the pay wasn’t fair, even though she liked the script. Director Sandeep Reddy also passed a message online where he didn’t mention any name but said that that person showed disrespect and leaked the story.

Amid the speculations about her involvement in these projects, the situation highlights the complexities that working women face in the entertainment industry.