Deepika Padukone has reportedly turned down a chance to join The White Lotus season 4 after refusing to audition for the hit HBO series. The decision means Deepika will not feature in the new season, even though the makers were said to be eager to cast the Bollywood star.
According to a report by Variety India, Deepika was approached for season 4 and was asked to give an audition. The actor, however, declined to test for the role, and the part was not taken forward. Deepika will next be seen in the film King.
Deepika Padukone Real Exit Reason From The White Lotus Season 4
A source quoted by the entertainment portal claimed that auditions were compulsory for anyone joining the ensemble drama. “Auditions are a mandatory part of the casting process for The White Lotus. The makers were very keen on auditioning actors before signing them on. Deepika Padukone was not keen on auditioning, and that was the reason why the White Lotus opportunity had to be passed,” a source cited by the entertainment portal claimed.
The report further states that the team behind The White Lotus had tried to bring Deepika on board earlier as well. The makers had reportedly reached out for season three, but Deepika, who was pregnant at that time, is said to have declined the offer then as well.
Deepika Padukone’s Speculated Hollywood return
If Deepika had agreed to audition and been finalised for The White Lotus season 4, it would have marked a fresh stint in Hollywood. Deepika made a global entry with xXx: Return of Xander Cage in 2017, sharing screen space with Vin Diesel, Donnie Yen, Kris Wu, Ruby Rose, Tony Jaa, Nina Dobrev and Toni Collette.
While the White Lotus opportunity did not work out, Deepika’s recent choices have already drawn attention in India. Over the last year, the actor stepped away from two major big-budget Indian projects, Kalki 2 and Spirit, even as Deepika adjusted work commitments after becoming a parent.
Deepika Padukone The White Lotus season 4 news amid Kalki 2 and Spirit exits
The team behind Kalki 2 confirmed in 2025 that Deepika would not return for the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Their statement suggested that both sides could not align on how to move ahead with the collaboration, despite already having worked together on the first film’s long schedule.
“This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. 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. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works,” it read.
Earlier, Sandeep Reddy Vanga had also dropped Deepika from Spirit. Reports claimed that several conditions, including an eight-hour workday cap, a high remuneration, and a share in profits, did not match what Vanga expected. After Deepika’s exit from Spirit, Triptii Dimri was confirmed to feature in the director’s project.
Reports add that Deepika, who recently embraced parenthood, is looking to shorten working hours and manage schedules more tightly. With The White Lotus season 4 not happening, and Kalki 2 and Spirit off her slate, attention now shifts to how Deepika balances large-scale projects like King with personal commitments in the coming years.