After exit from 'Kalki 2898 AD', Deepika Padukone kicks off new chapter with 'King'

Mumbai: Deepika Padukone has officially started filming for ‘King’, marking her sixth collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan. The pair, who were last seen together in ‘Jawan’, shared a heartfelt moment on the first day of shooting as Deepika posted a candid photo on Instagram holding Shah Rukh’s hand.

Alongside the picture, she reflected on a valuable lesson she learned from Shah Rukh nearly 18 years ago while filming ‘Om Shanti Om’. She 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 we're back making our 6th movie together. #king #day1.”

The film ‘King’ continues the successful on-screen partnership of Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, who have previously delivered hits such as Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Happy New Year, Pathaan, and Jawan.

This news comes shortly after Deepika was officially dropped from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind the film, announced on their X account that they had decided to part ways with the actress after “careful consideration.”

Their statement read, “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. 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.”

Earlier reports had also suggested that Deepika was replaced in another major project, *Spirit*, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas. The makers later confirmed that Triptii Dimri, known for her role in *Animal*, had joined the cast.