Deepika ditches ‘Project K’ launch at Comic-Con in solidarity with SAG-AFTRA strike

Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone skipped the launch event of her highly anticipated film, Project K, at the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) held on Thursday, July 20. The decision to miss the event was in the wake of the ongoing strike by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Radio and Television Artists (SAG-AFTRA) – of which she’s a member of – in the United States.

Her co-stars Prabhas and Kamal Haasan unveiled Project K’s official title, trailer, and release date at the San Diego Comic-Con. The Rebel Star actor posted pictures of him at the SDCC looking dapper in a royal blue suit. However, an industry insider, as quoted by news agency PTI, revealed that Padukone is adhering to SAG-AFTRA guidelines for actors during the strike.

The source clarified that the union has prohibited actors from providing promotional or publicity services. "With the SAG-AFTRA strike underway, the union has specified that actors cannot provide promotional or publicity services. That extends to appearances at conventions, such as the San Diego Comic-Con. Accordingly, as a member of SAG-AFTRA and in line with their membership regulations, Deepika Padukone will not be attending," the publication revealed. 

The Piku actor’s solidarity with SAG-AFTRA is not an isolated case among Indian celebrities. Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas also expressed support for the Hollywood actors' union. On her Instagram account, Chopra-Jonas shared a poster stating 'SAG-AFTRA strong' and wrote, “I stand with my union and colleagues. In solidarity, we build a better tomorrow.”

The ongoing actors and writers' strike, officially declared by SAG-AFTRA on July 14, has significantly impacted the entertainment industry. The union represents around 160,000 performers globally, including film and television actors, and has imposed restrictions on its members. During the strike, SAG-AFTRA members are refraining from participating in film tours, promotions, festivals, premieres, and award shows.

Project K, directed by Nag Ashwin, made history as the first-ever Indian film to debut at the SDCC. Alongside Paudkone, the movie boasts a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Rana Daggubati, Disha Patani, and others.

The film's production banner, Vyjayanthi Movies, provided a glimpse into India's vibrant culture and the awe-inspiring world of science fiction during the event's conversations and performances.

Padukone made her Hollywood debut in 2017 with XXX: Return of Xander Cage alongside Vin Diesel. Ever since, she has been active in supporting Indian cinema on international platforms – especially with her as the presenter to introduce the Oscar-winner Naatu Naatu from SS Rajamouli's RRR as the Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards earlier this year.

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