Madhoo Shah suggested that if Deepika Padukone had truly prioritized the project, she would have made the necessary arrangements to be a part of it.

By: Entertainment Desk

Mumbai | June 19, 2025 06:25 PM IST

3 min read

Madhoo Shah has offered her perspective on Deepika Padukone’s decision to step away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit.

Actor Madhoo has offered her candid perspective on Deepika Padukone’s decision to step away from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit. Speaking to News18 Showsha, Madhoo emphasized that while such choices ultimately lie with the artiste, if Deepika had truly prioritized the project, she might have made different arrangements.

“Deepika is a new mother; she needs time, and she asked for it. The person on the other side didn’t accept, so that didn’t work out,” Madhoo said, offering a measured take on the controversy. “If Deepika wanted the movie so bad, and was willing to make other arrangements, she would have accepted it. But she did not, and that’s her personal choice. So, I don’t see a big reason for debate.”

Deepika Padukone reportedly backed out of Spirit over working hours.

Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit, following the birth of her first child, has stirred discussion within the industry, with some questioning whether she should have compromised. Reports suggest the actor had requested an eight-hour workday, a share of the film’s profits, and exemption from delivering lines in Telugu. Those requests were allegedly denied by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, leading to her withdrawal from the project. Amid the fallout, prominent industry figures including Mani Ratnam, Ajay Devgn, and Neha Dhupia voiced support for Deepika, commending her for standing her ground.

‘I applaud today’s women who question’

Also Read | Banita Sandhu supports Deepika Padukone, says she was ‘blacklisted’ by a film industry for speaking up against 18-hour work shift: ‘I stood up for myself’

Madhoo, however, urged a broader view of professional agency and negotiation in the entertainment industry. “I applaud today’s women who question, because it makes it easy for the people who are following them. It is not about having conflicts and constantly fighting. Everything in life is negotiation, and one must know their worth,” she said.

he veteran actor is currently gearing up for her role as a tribal warrior queen in the upcoming pan-India Telugu film Kannappa. Directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, the film features an ensemble cast including Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar.

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