Actor Tamannaah Bhatia has shown silent but significant support for Deepika Padukone amidst the ongoing controversy involving director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and the upcoming film Spirit. In what appears to be a subtle statement of solidarity, Tamannaah liked an Instagram reel that critiques toxic workplace norms and the persistent gender pay gap in the film industry. The reel, featuring a throwback video from the Chhapaak press conference in 2020, captures a moment when Deepika firmly shut down a reporter’s insinuation that her husband Ranveer Singh financed her production. With poise and confidence, Deepika responded, “Excuse me, yeh mere khud ke paise hain. Kisne bola yeh? (Who said this to you? This is my money).” The reel’s overlay text listed a powerful set of issues women are refusing to tolerate anymore: “Disrespect, men, sexism, gender pay gap, working overtime, unprofessionalism, misogyny, and double standards.” This gesture from Tamannaah comes at a crucial time when Deepika is facing harsh criticism for allegedly being “unprofessional” during Spirit‘s pre-production phase. Reports suggest that Deepika’s insistence on working limited hours and seeking fair compensation for extended shoots led to friction with Vanga. A Bollywood Hungama source claimed she refused to shoot for more than six hours a day and wanted additional pay if the schedule crossed 100 days, highlighting her advocacy for balanced working conditions in an industry infamous for its long, erratic hours.
The controversy surrounding Deepika’s exit from Spirit has sparked larger debates around professionalism, fair labor practices, and gender dynamics in the entertainment industry. Sandeep Reddy Vanga indirectly accused her of leaking sensitive project information, fueling further backlash and speculation. In the midst of this heated exchange, Tamannaah’s Instagram activity seems to indicate her alignment with Deepika’s position. It adds to the growing discourse of women in Bollywood taking a stand against exploitation and double standards. Meanwhile, Tamannaah is also in the news for other reasons. She was recently announced as the brand ambassador for Mysore Sandal Soap in a deal reportedly worth ₹6.20 crore over two years. The decision, however, stirred controversy, with critics questioning why a Kannada actor was not chosen instead. MB Patil, Karnataka’s Minister for Commerce & Industries, defended the move, citing Tamannaah’s pan-Indian appeal. On the professional front, she was last seen in Odela 2, a supernatural thriller in which she plays Shiva Shakthi, a powerful sadhvi who arrives in a spiritually protected village to combat an elemental evil. Unlike the first film Odela Railway Station, which was a crime thriller, this installment dives into mysticism and mythology. Through both her on-screen roles and off-screen actions, Tamannaah continues to position herself as a strong voice for female agency and empowerment in Indian cinema.