After Spirit row, Deepika Padukone’s exit from Kalki 2 has turned into one of the biggest talking points in the industry this week.

While the official announcement from the makers suggested it was a matter of “commitment,” fresh reports indicate a different story.

According to India Today, it wasn’t the makers who pushed the 39-year-old actress out, it was she who chose to walk away.

A source revealed that the sequel was initially written around Deepika’s character, but recent changes in the script reduced her role to little more than a cameo.

Shocked by the decision, the Pathaan actress and her team, who were ready to begin shooting, decided to part ways.

Moreover, the report also mentioned her entourage of nearly 25 people, for whom she allegedly demanded five-star accommodation and food reimbursements during the shoot.

The source further claimed that producers weren’t willing to foot that bill on top of her hefty fee.

 “Why should the producers pay for the stay and food of an actor’s team, over and above the fees?” the insider said, adding that Hindi producers too have often struggled with similar demands.

The announcement from the makers, posted on X, framed the split more diplomatically: “Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like Kalki deserves commitment.”

Interestingly, this is the second Prabhas-led film the Padmaavat star has stepped away from. 

She earlier exited Spirit, where, reports say, her insistence on shorter work hours, high pay, and even a share of profits clashed with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

With Deepika out, Triptii Dimri is now stepping into the spotlight for Kalki 2.