Deepika Padukone Kalki 2 Role: Months after Deepika Padukone was ousted from Kalki 2, it has now been revealed that her role from the sequel to Prabhas’ starrer is not being scrapped. If a report by Bollywood Hungama is to be believed, Sai Pallavi has been roped in to play Deepika’s part in Kalki 2.
“It is Sai (replacing Deepika). There was never any question of scrapping the role after Deepika’s exit," a member from the Kalki 2 team confirmed to the entertainment portal. “Deepika wanted almost 35 per cent more for the sequel than what she received for the first film. It became difficult to align on terms. She eventually exited, and now Sai Pallavi has stepped in," the insider added.
Why Was Deepika Padukone Ousted From Kalki 2?
In September 2025, the makers of Prabhas starrer took to their official X handle and announced Deepika’s exit from the film. The announcement stated that Deepika is no longer a part of the project because a film like Kalki “deserves commitment".
“This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. 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. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works," it read.
Later, several reports claimed that Kalki 2 makers decided to drop Deepika since she was demanding a 25 per cent hike in her fees with a 7-hour work shift. Reportedly, the makers tried to negotiate these two demands of the actress with her, but she remained rigid.
Deepika Padukone On Kalki 2 Exit
Weeks after her exit from Kalki 2, Deepika Padukone spoke exclusively to CNBC-TV18 when she addressed the ongoing debate surrounding working conditions and pay parity in Bollywood and said, “I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me. I think, even as far as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I don’t even know what to call it, but I am someone who has always fought my battles silently. And for some strange reason, sometimes they become public which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles silently and in a dignified way is the way I know."
