'I was never afraid to…': Deepika Padukone opens up on her career choices amid 'Spirit' and 'Kalki 2898 AD' exits

Deepika Padukone recently stirred quite a buzz with her exit from two major projects, 'Spirit' and ''. Reports say she left 'Spirit', directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, reportedly over her request for an 8-hour workday. This decision sparked a wider conversation about in the film industry.

Apart from ‘Spirit ’, earlier this month, the makers of 'Kalki 2898 AD' announced Deepika would not be part of the film. Their statement on X read, "This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel to '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. A film like 'Kalki 2898 AD' deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works."

Did Deepika Padukone subtly address the recent industry controversy?

Amid these exits, Deepika seems to have addressed the situation indirectly. The 'Om Shanti Om' actress stated in a report quoted by Hindustan Times that she has “never been afraid to ask questions, challenge norms, and push boundaries to redefine the expectations placed on women.”

Deepika Padukone claims top actress spot

On Tuesday, IMDb released its report, 25 Years of Indian Cinema (2000-2025), analysing the top five most popular Indian films each year between 2000 and 2025. Deepika Padukone ranked fourth among actors with the most popular titles over the past 25 years. Out of 130 films analysed, 10 feature Deepika.

Padukone is behind Shah Rukh Khan with 20 titles, followed by Aamir Khan and Hrithik Roshan with 11 each. Deepika is ahead of Amitabh Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Salman Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Anushka Sharma, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ajay Devgn, Prabhas, and Alia Bhatt.

Deepika Padukone on her career choices

Reacting to this recognition, the 'Piku' actress said, “When I began my journey, I was often told how a woman must or is expected to navigate her career in order to be successful. However, from the very beginning, I was never afraid to ask questions, ruffle feathers, walk a more difficult path and challenge the status quo in order to reshape the mould we have all been expected to fit into.”

Padukone further added, “The faith my family, fans and collaborators have had in me, have also empowered me to make the choices and decisions that I have, hopefully forever altering the path those after me will tread. IMDb’s Report on 25 Years of Indian Cinema further validates and strengthens my belief that honesty, authenticity and resilience matter, and that by being true to your core beliefs with consistency, change is possible."

Deepika Padukone on the work front

Deepika Padukone is currently working on Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’, also starring Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and others. Apart from this, she will next be seen in director Atlee's upcoming action drama, tentatively titled ‘AA22xA6’, where she will star opposite Allu Arjun.