September 20, 2025: Following a surprising exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, Deepika Padukone has quickly shifted focus to a new project by confirming a role in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King. The announcement came through a thoughtful Instagram post reflecting on a long-standing professional bond with SRK, signaling a fresh chapter ahead.
In the post, she shared a close-up photo holding Shah Rukh’s hand and wrote, “The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago while filming Om Shanti Om was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success.” This message has been interpreted as a subtle response to her departure from Kalki 2898 AD, which sparked widespread discussions.
The producers of Kalki 2898 AD, Vyjayanthi Movies, had stated that they parted ways due to the film requiring a “higher level of commitment.” The exact reasons remain unclear, but speculation ranges from creative differences to scheduling conflicts.
Deepika’s Instagram Post Sparks Talk Following Kalki Fallout
Fans praised the actor’s poised and strategic Instagram message, with many noting how it addressed the situation without escalating tensions. Online communities like Reddit highlighted the grace and subtlety of the post.
King, directed by Siddharth Anand, will bring the two stars – Deepika and SRK back together after previous hits like Om Shanti Om and Pathaan. The film also features an ensemble cast including Suhana Khan, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, and others.
In addition to this project, Deepika is also set to star alongside Allu Arjun in an upcoming action film directed by Atlee, currently titled AA22xA6.
While the exit from Kalki stirred conversations, the announcement of the new film has shifted the focus back to upcoming work and the exciting collaborations ahead.