The recent exit of Deepika Padukone from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film 'Spirit' continues to stir discussions within the Bollywood industry. Veteran actress Madhoo Shah has now weighed in on the matter, offering a balanced perspective on the circumstances surrounding Padukone's departure.

Reports suggest that Padukone's exit stemmed from disagreements over several demands, including an eight-hour workday, a share in the film's profits, and an exemption from delivering dialogues in Telugu. These requests reportedly did not align with the director's vision, leading to a parting of ways. Triptii Dimri has since been cast as Padukone's replacement.

Madhoo Shah, in a recent interview with News18, addressed the controversy, emphasizing that Padukone's decision was ultimately a personal choice. "Deepika is a new mother; she needs time, and she asked for it. The person on the other side didn't accept, so that didn't work out," Madhoo explained. She further added, "If Deepika wanted the movie so bad, and was willing to make other arrangements, she would have accepted it—but she did not, and that's her personal choice. So, I don't see a big reason for debate."

Madhoo's statement reflects a pragmatic understanding of the situation. She acknowledges the challenges faced by new mothers in balancing their professional and personal lives. However, she also suggests that Padukone's level of commitment to the project might have influenced her decision not to compromise on her demands.

The actress also highlighted the broader implications of Padukone's actions, praising women who question established norms and assert their worth in the industry. "I applaud today's women who question, because it makes it easy for the people who are following them," Madhoo stated. She emphasized that success in the industry involves negotiation and a clear understanding of one's value. "Everything in life is negotiation, and one must know their worth."

The controversy surrounding Padukone's exit has ignited a debate about work-life balance, particularly for new mothers in the film industry. Some industry figures have supported Padukone's right to set boundaries and prioritize her needs as a new parent, while others have questioned whether her demands were reasonable.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Padukone has stood her ground regarding her professional demands. She has previously spoken about walking away from projects when filmmakers were unwilling to meet her expectations, emphasizing her awareness of her track record and value in the industry.

As for Madhoo, she is preparing for her role in the pan-India film 'Kannappa', where she will portray a tribal warrior queen. The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Vishnu Manchu, Prabhas, Mohanlal, and Akshay Kumar.