Deepika Padukone Demands Better Work-Life Balance, Exposes Bollywood’s Double Standards

Distancing from Spirit and Kalki 2
Newly-mother Deepika Padukone surprised everyone by withdrawing from Spirit and Kalki 2.
Rumors swirled that she left the project solely because she had to work eight hours a day.
In an interview with CNBC-TV18, she clearly stated that she wanted to prioritize her health and family.
Why is she demanding eight hours?
Deepika believes that demanding an eight-hour shift isn’t wrong or impossible.
She said, “What I’m asking for isn’t absurd. Those who have been working in this system for a long time know the real situation.”
In this way, she raised her voice for work-life balance.
Challenging the System
Deepika has found this kind of responsibility challenging since her childhood.
She said that if something can be improved, it’s necessary to shake off old traditions.
“I can tolerate criticism, cut through the noise, but I want to fight for genuine change,” she said firmly.
Bollywood’s Double Standards
Deepika asserted that male stars have been working eight-hour days for years, but this hasn’t been discussed.
“Many male superstars work Monday through Friday and spend the weekends relaxing, but there’s no noise,” she said, exposing the intolerable double standards.
“I don’t think what I'm asking for is ridiculously unfair and I think only someone who's worked in the system enough will know that the conditions that we work in and I’m saying this as if I may say so myself a top star” – Deepika padukone pic.twitter.com/sgMi4UBOWq
— ريّـان (@xrdeepii) October 9, 2025
‘Industry’ or Chaos?
Deepika questioned the term “industry” for the Indian film industry.
She argued that until a proper structure is established within the system, everything will remain in the grip of chaos.
Clear processes, timelines, and rules are needed at every level.
The Experience of a New Mother
Since the birth of her daughter, Dua, in September 2024, Deepika has realigned her priorities.
For these reasons, she has stepped away from some projects.
Despite this, her presence in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again hasn’t been absent.
The Journey Ahead
Deepika will now return with Shah Rukh Khan in King, a film directed by Sujoy Ghosh and produced by Red Chillies Entertainment.
Hopefully, discussions about work-life balance will be reflected in the set as well.

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