Ananya Panday has come out in strong support of her Gehraiyaan co-star Deepika Padukone regarding the ongoing debate over Padukone’s demand for an eight-hour work shift.
In a recent interview, Panday emphasized that this shift in professional requirements is a natural progression of motherhood rather than a permanent change in work ethic. She noted that during their previous collaboration, Padukone had no such demands and was fully committed to long hours and workshops, but now requires a supportive environment to be present for her child.
Panday further argued that the film industry needs to evolve to support women after marriage and childbirth, citing Kareena Kapoor Khan as a trailblazer who “changed the game” for future generations. She suggested that while there are no “hard and fast rules,” actors should feel empowered to have private conversations with producers to find a healthy work-life balance. Ananya’s nuanced take has earned her significant praise from netizens who appreciate her defense of working mothers in the high-pressure entertainment business.
The conversation follows reports that Padukone allegedly opted out of high-profile projects, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, due to disagreements over her requested working hours. Panday’s comments highlight a growing movement within Bollywood to normalize flexible schedules for parents, ensuring that career longevity is not sacrificed for family responsibilities.