Last Updated:December 06, 2025, 08:30 IST

Reportedly, apart from Priyanka Chopra, makers are also considering Alia Bhatt, Sai Pallavi and Anushka Shetty as Deepika Padukone’s replacement in Kalki 2.

Days after it was reported that Priyanka Chopra might be replacing Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2, a new report has now revealed why it is becoming difficult to get on board the global icon by the makers of the Prabhas starrer. If a report by Bollywood Hungama is to be believed, Priyanka, who is also a mother, requires flexibility regarding her time and schedule in order to fulfil her mom duties. This is the same reason why makers ousted Deepika. Besides this, the report also claims that Priyanka’s remuneration is also a ‘bigger problem’. Apparently, Priyanka is asking for almost the same price as Deepika.

“Priyanka Chopra Jonas is most definitely in serious negotiations for this project. However, there are some hurdles, ironically similar to the obstacles which expelled Deepika from the project. Priyanka requires flexibility regarding her time and schedule in order to fulfil her mom duties. However, this is not an insurmountable issue, as Priyanka is agreeable to travelling with her daughter to locations,” a source cited by the entertainment portal claimed.

Reportedly, apart from Priyanka Chopra, makers are also considering Alia Bhatt, Sai Pallavi and Anushka Shetty as Deepika Padukone’s replacement in the movie. It is being said that the makers are considering an actress who can also match Prabhas’ massive star power and even take the sequel to greater heights.

Kalki 2 Makers Announce Deepika’s Exit

Earlier this year, the makers of Prabhas’ starrer took to their official X handle and announced Deepika’s exit from Kalki 2. The announcement mentioned 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, a report by Bollywood Hungama stated that the Kalki 2 makers decided to drop Deepika because she was demanding a 25 per cent hike in her fees, along with a 8-hour work shift. Reportedly, the makers attempted to negotiate these two demands with the actress, but she remained inflexible.

Deepika also defended her 8-hour work shift later while speaking to CNBC-TV18 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.”

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