Highlights:
- Vyjayanthi Movies announced Deepika Padukone’s exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, citing “partnership issues.”
- Deepika posted a candid picture with SRK holding hands on Instagram.
- Her caption emphasized valuing the filmmaking journey and the people involved over box office results.
- The post marks her sixth collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan, starting with Om Shanti Om.
- Fans speculate the post was a dignified, indirect reply to the makers of Kalki 2898 AD.
Sans the infamous Ranbir Kapoor episode on Koffee with Karan many years ago, Deepika Padukone has rarely, if ever, stoked or addressed controversy. But lately, it seems controversy has been following her relentlessly.
Earlier this week, the official X handle of Vyjayanthi Movies announced that Deepika would no longer be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. The reason cited was the inability to find a “partnership,” a polite way of saying that both parties could not see eye to eye. The announcement was followed by veiled remarks about adhering to the “commitment” the film deserves.
While cast changes are not uncommon in film productions, such a public announcement regarding a global star like Deepika certainly drew attention and raised eyebrows.
As expected, most assumed that Deepika would never address the situation directly — but it appears she may have broken her silence, in a subtle yet dignified way.
Earlier today, the superstar took to Instagram to share a candid picture of herself holding what seems to be Shah Rukh Khan’s hand. Her moving caption celebrated her nearly two-decade-long association with SRK and read:
“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 6th movie together?”
She tagged the post with #king and #day1, along with SRK and director Siddharth Anand.
While the post is clearly an expression of love and respect for Shah Rukh Khan, fans have begun speculating whether it was also a subtle response to the Kalki 2898 AD makers — particularly her comment that “the experience and the people” matter more than the film’s success.
For now, the exchange of indirect messages between Deepika and the Kalki team seems to have reached a temporary pause, as she steps into yet another highly anticipated project with King Khan.
