Recent social media buzz has spotlighted an alleged rift between Bollywood director Farah Khan and actor Deepika Padukone, sparked by reports that the two have unfollowed each other on Instagram. Khan, who launched Padukone’s career with the 2007 blockbuster Om Shanti Om, addressed the speculation in an interview with Pinkvilla, stating that she and Padukone had mutually agreed during the filming of Happy New Year (2014) to avoid communicating via Instagram, preferring direct messages or calls instead. The clarification comes as netizens noticed Padukone’s absence from Khan’s follower list and vice versa, fueling rumors of a fallout.

The controversy intensified when Khan appeared to take jabs at Padukone’s reported eight-hour work schedule in her recent YouTube vlogs. In one instance, while visiting actor Radhikka Madan, Khan remarked, “You didn’t have an 8-hour shift, I am guessing?”—a comment perceived as a subtle dig at Padukone’s rumored preference for shorter shooting hours. In another vlog, Khan humorously told her cook, Dilip, that Padukone “only shoots for eight hours now” and lacks time for their show, further stoking speculation. Khan, however, insisted her comments were not meant as criticism but were playful remarks to coax Dilip into joking about his own work hours.

Adding to the narrative, Khan’s Instagram activity raised eyebrows when it was observed that she no longer follows Padukone’s husband, Ranveer Singh, though he continues to follow her. This development led some fans to speculate about underlying tensions, possibly linked to Khan’s comments or professional differences. However, Khan emphasized that her relationship with Padukone remains unaffected by social media dynamics, noting that they avoid public gestures like birthday wishes on Instagram due to Padukone’s personal preferences.

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The backdrop to this drama includes Padukone’s recent professional shifts, which have drawn significant attention. Reports indicate she was dropped from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD due to disputes over her alleged demands for an eight-hour workday, a 25% salary hike, profit-sharing clauses, and entourage costs. Similar issues reportedly led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal earlier in 2025. Padukone, who has yet to publicly address these claims, has moved on to her sixth collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan, filming King, signaling her focus on high-profile projects despite the controversies.

The Instagram saga between Khan and Padukone underscores the scrutiny public figures face in the digital age, where social media actions are often overanalyzed for hints of discord. While Khan’s statements aim to quell rumors, the episode highlights the challenges of maintaining personal and professional boundaries in the spotlight. As Padukone navigates her career choices and Khan continues her multifaceted work as a director and content creator, their dynamic remains a point of intrigue for Bollywood observers.

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