Deepika Padukone confirms role in Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’ after exiting ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel

Actor Deepika Padukone has officially confirmed her role in Shah Rukh Khan’s highly anticipated upcoming film King. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Deepika shared an emotional post alongside a close-up photo in which she is seen holding Shah Rukh Khan’s hand, marking the beginning of their sixth collaboration.

The duo has previously worked together in several films, starting with the 2007 film “Om Shanti Om”, which marked Padukone’s acting debut.

They also starred in 2013’s rom-com Chennai Express, 2014’s Happy New Year and Pathaan, which released in 2023. Their last film together was Jawan (2023).Her post comes shortly after production house Vyjayanthi Movies announced that Deepika will no longer be part of the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. In an official statement, the studio cited a lack of creative alignment and mutual understanding:
“Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. A film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”

Deepika starred in the first Kalki film alongside Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the 2024 sci-fi epic grossed approximately Rs 1100 crore worldwide and was celebrated for its visual effects and global appeal.

Reflecting on her debut Rukh in Om Shanti Om nearly 18 years ago, Deepika 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. I couldn’t agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I’ve made since. And that’s probably why