Deepika Padukone’s recent exits from Spirit and Kalki 2 have sparked widespread discussions about the work culture in the film industry. The actress has been in the spotlight since she requested an eight-hour workday, a move that triggered varied reactions across the industry and media. Following her stance, Deepika had to step away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2. While many shared opinions on her demand, Deepika remained silent for a long time. Now, she has finally addressed the issue, reacting to the debates and highlighting the importance of fair working conditions for actors.
Deepika Padukone Opens Up on the 8-Hour Work Shift Controversy
Deepika Padukone has finally spoken out following the controversy over her request for an 8-hour workday after leaving Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2. In an open discussion with CNBC-TV18, she highlighted that “male superstars” have been working 8-hour shifts for years, yet it “never attracted media attention.”
During the conversation, she highlighted that, as a woman, her assertiveness is often labeled as being pushy. She noted that her requests are deemed “unjust,” whereas men have made similar demands for years without facing such criticism. She was quoted saying: “By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it. But it is no secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars, in the Indian film industry, have been working for eight hours for years, and it’s never made headlines.”
In the same conversation, Deepika Padukone highlighted that male actors not only enjoy lighter schedules but also get weekends off. She criticized the film industry for being “very disorganized” and emphasized that it was high time to address this issue. Deepika noted that although the Indian film sector is called an “industry,” it has never functioned like one. She called for real change and stressed that now was the moment to implement meaningful improvements, saying:
“I don’t want to take names now and make this into a whole thing, but it is very commonly, publicly known that a lot of male actors have been working for eight hours a day for years. A lot of them only work for eight hours Monday to Friday. They do not work on weekends.”
Deepika Padukone Exits from Spirit and Kalki 2
Deepika Padukone sparked widespread discussion with her request for an eight-hour workday. She reportedly wanted to limit her shooting schedule to eight hours so she could spend more time with her daughter, Dua. When her request was not accommodated, she exited the film Spirit. Recently, Vyjayanthi Movies confirmed that Deepika will no longer be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel.
The makers announced that, after “careful consideration,” they decided to part ways with the Chennai Express actress, stating that a film like Kalki required a greater level of “commitment.” Undeterred, Deepika began shooting for King just a few days later. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film also stars Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. Additionally, Deepika is set to appear in Atlee’s upcoming project AA22xA6 alongside Allu Arjun.