Deepika Padukone

In an industry that thrives on long hours, late-night shoots, and endless hustle, Deepika Padukone is daring to challenge the norm. The actress recently made headlines after reports surfaced about her decision to request an eight-hour working day on film sets—a move that allegedly led to her exit from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Now, Deepika has broken her silence, setting the record straight in a candid interview with CNBC-TV18.

“Being a woman, if that’s seen as being assertive or demanding, then so be it,” Deepika responded confidently to the criticism. She pointed out the double standards at play, adding, “It’s no secret that many male superstars in our industry have been working eight-hour schedules for years, yet it’s never made news. When a woman does the same, it suddenly becomes a talking point.”

Her words carry the quiet weight of truth. For decades, the Indian film industry has celebrated relentless work as a badge of honor—often blurring the line between dedication and overexertion. Yet, as Deepika points out, many of her male contemporaries have long practiced structured work schedules without scrutiny.“I don’t wish to name anyone or turn this into a controversy,” she added. “But it’s widely and publicly known that many male actors have followed an eight-hour workday for years—and it’s been completely accepted as normal.”

Deepika’s decision seems rooted not in rebellion, but in rethinking the rhythm of filmmaking itself. “Although we call it an industry, the Indian film fraternity has never truly functioned like one,” she reflected. “It continues to operate in a rather disorganised manner, and I believe it’s high time we brought more structure and system into this culture.”

Her remarks echo a growing sentiment across creative professions—one that prioritizes sustainability over sheer output. Reports suggest that Deepika’s request for limited working hours stemmed from her desire to balance career and motherhood, particularly as she spends time with her daughter, Dua. When the production of Spirit reportedly couldn’t accommodate this schedule, she chose to step away. Soon after, Vyjayanthi Movies confirmed that she would no longer be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, citing the film’s “high level of commitment.”

But if there’s one thing Deepika has never lacked, it’s commitment—both to her craft and to her values. The actress is already back on set for King, directed by Siddharth Anand and co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan. She’s also gearing up for Atlee’s much-anticipated AA22xA6 alongside Allu Arjun.

Through it all, Deepika’s message remains clear: success doesn’t have to come at the cost of self. By advocating for structured work hours, she’s not just rewriting her own professional boundaries—she’s sparking an industry-wide conversation about what balance truly means.

In an ecosystem built on chaos and charisma, perhaps it’s time Bollywood listens. After all, as Deepika Padukone reminds us, professionalism isn’t about how long you work—it’s about how well you do it.