A fresh debate has been stirring within the Indian film industry—one that goes beyond contracts and casting calls. It began when Deepika Padukone reportedly stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD sequel after disagreements related to her demand for an 8-hour workday. The move sparked a larger conversation about work-life balance, professionalism, and gender dynamics in the entertainment industry.
While social media quickly split into camps—some hailing Deepika’s decision as a firm stand for healthy boundaries, others dismissing it as “unrealistic”—voices from within the fraternity have added thoughtful nuance to the dialogue.
Actor Priyamani, known for her impactful performances in The Family Man and Jawan, recently weighed in on the ongoing discussion. Speaking to News18 Showsha, she described the matter as “completely subjective.” According to her, flexibility is an inevitable part of the profession. “There are times when you will have to adjust, which is okay, and you should make room for it,” she said, underscoring that no single rule can apply uniformly across projects.
For context, Deepika’s reported request to work eight hours a day was seen by some filmmakers as a constraint, ultimately leading to her exit from the aforementioned projects. Addressing the issue for the first time in a conversation with CNBC, deepika explained her stance with composure.
“I’ve always believed in handling my battles quietly and with dignity,” she shared. “It’s no secret that many male superstars in our industry have followed the eight-hour work routine for years, yet it’s never been newsworthy. If a woman doing the same is seen as being assertive or difficult, then so be it.”
Deepika’s comments have resonated with many who see her decision as a quiet assertion of equality—an insistence on professional respect rather than special treatment. Her statement points to a larger imbalance: the double standards that often shadow women in power, especially when they set boundaries that men are celebrated for maintaining.
As the film industry continues to evolve, conversations like these are prompting a necessary rethinking of long-held norms. The question is no longer whether demanding balance is “reasonable,” but why it’s so often questioned when it comes from women.
Deepika, ever poised, continues to let her work speak for itself. Up next, she will be seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s King and Atlee Kumar’s A22×A6 alongside Allu Arjun—two projects that, if her recent choices are any indication, may reflect not just artistic ambition, but a renewed sense of agency.
In the end, whether it’s about an eight-hour day or an 18-hour shoot, the conversation Deepika has reignited feels like a necessary step toward redefining what balance—and fairness—should truly look like in Bollywood.
