Deepika Padukone has spoken out firmly on the ongoing eight-hour shift controversy, shedding light on what she believes are clear double standards in Bollywood. The debate began after her exit from major films like Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Deepika clarified that such a demand is neither new nor unreasonable. Many male superstars have followed the same routine for years—often working Monday to Friday and avoiding weekends—yet it has never made news.
Deepika Padukone Demands Balance
“If, by being a woman, this comes across as pushy, then so be it,” she asserted, highlighting how women in the industry are often judged differently for asserting boundaries. She further pointed out that while cinema is called an “industry”, it has rarely operated with true professionalism or organisation. According to her, it’s time to introduce systems that respect time, balance, and well-being.
Deepika’s decision was also rooted in her desire to spend quality time with her daughter, Dua. Despite stepping away from those projects, she has moved forward with new films like King and AA22xA6. Her stance has sparked an important conversation about fairness and work culture in Bollywood.