Padukone’s comments arrive in the wake of an escalating public spat, where Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga lashed out on social media — widely interpreted as a veiled attack against the actress.
The Setting: A Calm Amidst the Storm at Cartier’s Stockholm Event
Deepika, who recently gave birth to daughter Dua with husband Ranveer Singh, was in Stockholm for Cartier’s High Jewelry collection 'En Équilibre' presentation. Speaking with Vogue Arabia, she was asked what helps her maintain balance in her life.
The actress, known for her poised demeanor, shared a profound insight:
“What keeps me balanced is just being truthful, authentic. Whenever I'm faced with complicated or difficult situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and just stand by decisions that really give me a lot of peace is when I feel most in equilibrium.”
Though she didn’t directly reference the Spirit fallout, her words strongly suggested a response to the recent chaos.
The Spirit Controversy: A Quiet Exit and a Loud Backlash
Reports of Deepika starring in Spirit had circulated for months. However, speculation of creative disagreements, alleged disputes over remuneration, and scheduling conflicts led to her quiet exit. Subsequently, rising star Triptii Dimri was announced as the film’s new female lead.
What followed was anything but quiet. On Monday, Vanga posted a cryptic — but fiery — message on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing an unnamed actor for breaching trust and engaging in what he called “dirty PR games.”
He wrote:
“There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are... Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”
He went on to accuse the actor of disrespecting the time and creative effort invested by him, further stating:
“You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.”
Although Vanga refrained from naming anyone, industry insiders and fans alike have interpreted the post as a pointed jab at Padukone.
Graceful Response Without Naming Names
Unlike Vanga’s direct tone, Padukone’s response has remained elegant and measured. She continues to maintain a dignified silence on specifics, preferring instead to talk about values like authenticity and peace — themes that are quickly becoming synonymous with her public image.
This tactful approach has been praised across social platforms, with many lauding the actress for not stooping to mudslinging, especially at a time when personal attacks seem to dominate public discourse in the film industry.
A Balancing Act: Career, Motherhood, and Brand Commitments
Amidst the ongoing controversy, Deepika also shed light on her experience balancing new motherhood with her career. Speaking to Vogue Arabia, she praised Cartier’s support during her pregnancy:
“Last year, I was shooting for a campaign and the team took care of me through my pregnancy; and a couple of months ago in Dubai, when I was a new mother.”
She also recounted how her mother, Ujjala Padukone, passed down some of the most exquisite jewelry pieces to her — emphasizing the deep cultural value of heritage in Indian families. Deepika’s presence at Cartier's event also marked her first international appearance since becoming a mother, further solidifying her status as a global style icon.
What’s Next for Deepika Padukone?
Despite exiting Spirit, Deepika Padukone remains one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. With major projects lined up and a growing global presence, the controversy seems unlikely to impact her momentum.
Her recent choices, both personal and professional, suggest a shift toward projects that align with her values and priorities. For Padukone, authenticity and peace seem to matter more than optics or unnecessary drama.
Final Thoughts: Two Worlds, Two Responses
While Vanga’s fiery post captured headlines, Padukone’s serene and thoughtful comments have resonated with a broader audience — particularly those who admire restraint and introspection in the face of provocation.
As the Spirit saga unfolds, it's clear that Deepika Padukone is choosing to let her grace and clarity speak louder than confrontation. Whether this chapter simmers down or escalates further remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Padukone isn’t just walking away from Spirit — she’s walking into a more empowered, self-assured phase of her career.
