Bollywood star Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel to the sci-fi blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, the production house Vyjayanthi Movies announced on social media.
The statement on social media clarified that despite a long-standing collaboration, the studio was unable to maintain a strong working partnership with the actress. It added that the decision for her exit was made by mutual agreement.
Media reports suggest that Padukone had demanded a 25% increase in her fee for the sequel. In addition, she reportedly requested five-star hotel accommodation and full board for her 25-member team during the shoot. Vyjayanthi Movies considered these demands a significant financial burden and ultimately decided not to continue working with the star.
This is not the first time Padukone’s demands have led to her departure from a film. She had previously parted ways with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit over similar issues.
The first installment of Kalki 2898 AD was released last year to wide acclaim, and the sequel was highly anticipated by fans across India.
