"Never stop believing what you deserve!"
Deepika Padukone has been at the centre of a controversy in recent weeks.
In September 2025, the producers of Kalki 2898 AD (2024) shocked all when they announced that the star would not be reprising her role in the film’s sequel.
After they said that the upcoming project would need “commitment”, questions arose regarding Deepika’s work ethic.
This sparked galvanised debates online, with people arguing both in favour and against the actress.
The incident mirrored a similar scenario where Deepika Padukone was removed from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s next film, Spirit.
It was alleged that Sandeep wasn’t happy with Deepika’s commitment, with the filmmaker allegedly accusing her of playing PR games.
Deepika was subsequently replaced with Triptii Dimri in Spirit.
With her latest Instagram post on September 19, 2025, Deepika paid tribute to her frequent co-star, Shah Rukh Khan.
In her debut Bollywood film, Om Shanti Om (2007), SRK was her co-star.
Deepika posted a picture of her hand holding SRK’s as the pair began shooting for their upcoming venture, King.
However, many believed that through this post, Deepika took a dig at the producers of Kalki 2898 AD.
Underneath the picture, Deepika Padukone 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 sixth movie together?”
The post attracted supportive messages for Deepika.
One fan said: “I’m so proud of you! Stand for yourself and never stop believing what you deserve! I love you.”
Another commented: “And we’re so proud of your decisions.”
A third person wrote: “May you be the best always. No downturn can touch you.”
In their full statement, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD said:
“This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD.
“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 Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more.”
Along with King, Deepika Padukone also has Atlee’s sci-fi project, AA22 x A6 on the cards.
King marks her reunion with SRK after films including Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express (2013), Happy New Year (2014), Pathaan (2023), and Jawan (2023).
It also marks her fourth collaboration with director Siddharth Anand after Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Pathaan, and Fighter (2024).
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