Did Deepika Padukone make unreasonable demands for Spirit?

In an industry where whispers turn into headlines overnight, Deepika Padukone’s reported demands for Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit have stirred quite the debate. From asking for an 8-hour workday and a staggering Rs 20 crore fee to allegedly refusing to speak Telugu for her role opposite Prabhas, the chatter around Deepika’s conditions has split opinions. Was she overreaching, or simply asking for what any leading star of her stature deserves? More importantly — why does it still ruffle feathers when a female superstar asserts her worth?

The Demands in Question

As per multiple reports circulating in trade circles, Deepika Padukone laid down a few non-negotiables before coming on board Spirit.

Firstly, she requested an 8-hour workday, secondly, she reportedly asked for Rs 20 crore as remuneration — the highest she’s charged for a film yet — along with a share in the film’s profits. Lastly, she allegedly refused to deliver her dialogues in Telugu, citing unfamiliarity with the language.Naturally, the rumour mill was quick to brand these as “unreasonable demands,” with some even speculating if this could cost her the film.

But step back from the outrage, and a fairer perspective begins to emerge.

Work Hours in Bollywood

One of the primary sticking points seems to be Deepika’s 8-hour workday request. Yet, ask any industry insider, and they’ll tell you that actors working in multiple shifts isn’t a new concept. Back in the 90s, stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan would routinely juggle three shifts a day, each shift lasting up to 8 hours or more. Akshay Kumar, known for his discipline, famously sticks to an early morning shift, wraps up by evening, and takes weekends off.

And nobody bats an eyelid.`Even Salman while shooting for Sultan would count the hours he was training and working out for the film as part of his shift. So why the uproar when Deepika asks for a similar setup? Deepika recently became a mother and she would mostly be juggling her duties as a mother with her career as a leading lady in the films. In a profession notorious for punishing schedules, sleep deprivation, and round-the-clock commitments, prioritizing health and productivity shouldn’t be controversial.

In fact, one could argue it sets a healthy precedent.

The Language Debate: To Dub or Not to Dub

Another bone of contention has been Deepika’s reported refusal to speak Telugu in Spirit, a film predominantly shot in the language. Critics argue that it’s a key requirement for authenticity. But here’s the catch — in pan-India cinema, dubbing isn’t just common; it’s industry standard.Take Prabhas himself, for example. In his Hindi releases, it’s voice actor Sharad Kelkar who dubs for him — even in mammoth successes like Baahubali or Kalki 2898 Ad or Salaar: Part 1_ Ceasefire. And no one complained about a lack of authenticity then. Similarly, for Bollywood stars in Tamil, Telugu, or Malayalam projects, dubbing is a routine practice. So why single out Deepika?Not every actor can master a new language convincingly.

A poorly delivered line in an unfamiliar tongue can dilute the impact of a performance. Dubbing allows actors to focus on emoting while ensuring linguistic accuracy for regional audiences. It’s a pragmatic solution, not a cop-out.

On Knowing One’s Worth: Deepika’s Stand on Pay Parity

Perhaps the heart of this debate lies in Deepika’s longstanding commitment to pay parity and fair compensation. This isn’t the first time she’s stood her ground on remuneration. About six years ago, she famously walked away from a film when, during negotiations, she was told that the male lead’s fee had to be accommodated, leaving no room for her quote.Deepika recounted that moment during a panel discussion on NDTV she said , “ I know my track record,I know what I'm worth - I know his films( male actor’s) haven't been doing as well as my films were doing..so it made no sense. So I was ok to say no to that film..based on that one thing because I think it was unfair and today I’m ready to take those steps or measures for myself because I will be able to sleep peacefully at night. I dont think I'd be able to live with thought that I’m part of a film , had the same creative contribution or brought the same value but being underpaid .

. I wasn' t ok with that”.It’s a sentiment echoed by many leading women in global entertainment, from Jennifer Lawrence to Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Compensation isn’t just about money; it’s about respect, acknowledgment, and equity.When male superstars demand ₹100 crore fees, profit shares, control over marketing plans, or input on the final cut, it’s considered smart business. Yet when a female star negotiates assertively, it’s labeled as entitlement.

That’s the bias we need to confront.

What’s Fair Is Fair

At the end of the day, Deepika Padukone is one of the biggest names in Indian entertainment, with a proven track record of box office successes, critical acclaim, and global appeal. Pathaan, Padmaavat, Chennai Express, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani — the list of blockbusters is long. If she believes her contribution deserves a value, it’s a negotiation she’s well within her rights to make.

Whether the makers agree is a separate matter. Negotiations, by nature, involve both parties discussing and arriving at mutually acceptable terms. But vilifying her for asking — when countless male actors have made similar, if not heftier, demands for years — only reflects the industry’s gendered double standards.