Deepika Padukone, amid controversies surrounding her exit from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD sequel, advocated for an eight-hour shift for actors, stating Bollywood has “normalised overworking” and calling for greater workplace support for new mothers.
November 15, 2025: Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has intensified the industry-wide debate over working hours, arguing passionately for an eight-hour workday for actors and crew, especially in light of her recent experience with motherhood.
In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, the actress—who welcomed her first child, Dua Padukone Singh, in September—linked the demands of motherhood to the necessity of systemic change in the film industry, which is notorious for grueling, multi-hour shifts (often 12-16 hours, sometimes more, according to industry sources).
End Burnout, Support New Mothers
Padukone stressed that her perspective on work-life balance has fundamentally shifted since becoming a mother, increasing her respect for her own mother. She called for concrete policies to support women returning to the workplace after childbirth.
Deepika Padukone: “I feel strongly about how new mothers need to be supported when they return to work. That’s something I want to focus on.”
She then delivered a direct challenge to the industry’s culture of extended workdays:
Deepika Padukone: “We’ve normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you’re healthy can you give your best… In my own office, we work eight hours a day, Monday to Friday. We have maternity and paternity policies. We should normalise bringing children to work.”
Controversies Provided Context
Padukone’s comments gain significant weight against the backdrop of her reported exits from two major films this year.
In May, she reportedly opted out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, with reports suggesting she requested an eight-hour shift and a share in the profits, which allegedly clashed with the director’s requirements. Her role was subsequently taken by Triptii Dimri.
Later, she was dropped from the sequel to Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD, with Vyjayanthi Movies citing an inability to “find a partnership” and lack of “commitment” from the actor. This fallout was reportedly linked to her demands for a pay hike and a limited seven-hour workday.
While these moves sparked debate about star demands, Padukone’s interview repositions the issue as one of human health, dignity, and family policy. The actress, who will next be seen in Atlee’s AA22 x A6 with Allu Arjun and Shah Rukh Khan’s King, appears determined to use her influence to redefine working standards in Bollywood.