Ever since Deepika Padukone’s exit from ‘Kalki 2’ was announced, curiosity has been running high about who might replace her in the Prabhas starrer. While the makers have yet to confirm any name, several media reports now claim that Priyanka Chopra is emerging as a strong contender for the role. Reportedly, her global fandom is a major factor boosting her chances.Apart from Priyanka, Alia Bhatt, Sai Pallavi and Anushka Shetty are also said to be in contention for the Nag Ashwin directorial. According to reports, the team is looking for an actress who can match Prabhas’ massive star power and elevate the sequel further.Earlier this year, the makers of the Prabhas starrer announced Deepika’s departure from ‘Kalki 2’ on their official X handle, stating that the film “deserves commitment.”“This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’. 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 ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works,” the note read.Later, a report by Bollywood Hungama claimed that the makers decided to drop Deepika because she had allegedly demanded a 25 percent fee hike along with an 8-hour work shift. Reportedly, negotiations were attempted, but the actress did not budge from her terms.Deepika later defended her 8-hour shift while speaking to CNBC-TV18, saying, “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.”
