Deepika Padukone is one of the most followed actresses in Indian cinema. She commands the best box office pull for any actress in the Indian film industry and is one of the frontline choices for every big-ticket project in Indian cinema. Also, Deepika is a very outspoken person by nature. She doesn’t mince words while speaking against the pay disparity in the film industry. She bats for equal pay for male and female actors in the film industry. She had openly spoken about the same on various occasions in the past.
Previously, Deepika charged equal or even more remuneration than her male co-stars. This was very much evident in the case of Piku. Deepika charged more remuneration than her co-star Amitabh Bachchan. This became a hot topic back then. She did the same for Padmaavat as well. She charged more remuneration than both her co-stars in the film, Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor. Given Deepika’s box office pull, the makers of the periodic drama paid her big bucks.
Coming to the topic, Deepika apparently walked out of her upcoming project, citing remuneration grounds. She was supposed to pair with her husband Ranveer Singh in the film. Apparently, Deepika demanded the same remuneration as Ranveer if she is to act in the film. She didn’t agree to charge a penny less than her husband. However, the makers weren’t willing to meet her financial demands and conveyed their intention to the star actress. Vexed with the same, Deepika opted out of the project. She wasn’t prepared to deduct her remuneration and after coming to know that the makers aren’t ready to meet her demand, she walked out.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali, who will be helming the project is now in search of another actress who can reprise the female lead role in the film. They will be initiating talks with a few top Bollywood actresses soon.
Incidentally, Deepika Padukone is also set to collaborate with Prabhas for his upcoming sci-fi thriller which will be helmed by Nag Ashwin. Interestingly, this film will also feature Amitabh Bachchan in an important role. This project will be commencing shoot very soon.
