MONEY TALKIES

There has been much talk about Deepika Padukone's ouster from two south films- Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Kalki. The reasons being trotted out are the usual- unprofessional demands, massive entourages, not willing to commit to requisite hours etc etc. Both filmmakers have issued salty statements citing her exit. Padukone's Pr also quick to react issued their own clarifications.

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It's coincidental that both films toplined Prabhas. That's what got my antennae up. My only humble submission is while Prabhas may have asked and rightfully got a pay hike, more power to him he opens and packs box office returns for a film. But Deepika asks for a pay hike and hell breaks loose? Why? Doesn't a female actor have a right to ask for a fee raise? There is no debate or denying that male actors bring in the footfalls and bums on seats but what's wrong with a hike in a female actor's salary?