Triptii Dimri Replaces Deepika Padukone in ‘Spirit,’ Begins Shooting Opposite Prabhas
Digital Desk
Bollywood actress Triptii Dimri has been finalized as the lead in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, opposite megastar Prabhas, following Deepika Padukone’s exit from the project. The shooting for the film officially commenced on Sunday, beginning with a muhurat ceremony attended by legendary actor Chiranjeevi and the entire cast and crew.
Spirit is directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his blockbuster hits Kabir Singh and Animal. The film marks Triptii Dimri’s first collaboration with Prabhas, with veteran actors Vivek Oberoi and Prakash Raj also playing key roles. In the film, Prabhas is reportedly essaying the role of a police officer, while Triptii will portray the female lead. The project is expected to release in 2026.
Triptii Dimri rose to national attention with her performance in Animal (2023), earning the title of ‘National Crush’ and securing widespread acclaim. Her casting in Spirit comes after Deepika Padukone withdrew amid scheduling conflicts and contractual disputes, including demands for shorter working hours and additional compensation. Upon being confirmed for the role, Triptii expressed her gratitude on social media, stating, “Still can’t believe it. Very grateful to be included in this journey. Thank you, Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Feeling honoured to be part of your vision.”
The actress’s journey in Bollywood has been marked by perseverance. Hailing from Uttarakhand and raised in Delhi, Triptii faced criticism from relatives who doubted her career choice. She revealed in interviews that family members warned her about pursuing acting, claiming it would affect her personal life and reputation. Despite these challenges, Triptii’s parents supported her, helping her navigate early struggles in the industry.
Triptii’s breakthrough came with Laila Majnu (2018), where she portrayed a Kashmiri girl after being invited for a second audition despite initially being rejected. Her rise continued with Animal, which solidified her popularity nationwide. Recently, she topped IMDb’s list of India’s most popular actors for 2024, surpassing established stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt.
Beyond Spirit, Triptii is reportedly set to portray iconic actress Parveen Babi in a Netflix biopic directed by Shonali Bose. The project is expected to commence filming in March 2026 and is anticipated to explore the life and legacy of the 1970s-80s Bollywood icon, further cementing Triptii’s status as a versatile and promising talent.
Triptii Dimri’s ascent in Bollywood highlights her dedication, resilience, and the shifting dynamics of the Indian film industry, where emerging talent increasingly gains recognition alongside veteran performers. With Spirit and the upcoming biopic, Triptii is poised to continue her meteoric rise, delivering compelling performances that resonate with audiences nationwide.
Her journey from overcoming personal and professional obstacles to becoming a celebrated actress underscores her commitment to her craft and her growing influence in contemporary Indian cinema.
