Ajay Devgn Supports Deepika Amid 'Spirit' Row: Says 8-Hour Shifts Are "Completely Reasonable"
Bollywood actor Ajay Devgn has stepped forward in support of Singham Again co-star Deepika Padukone’s reported demand for shorter working hours on set, a stance that has sparked a wider industry conversation about work-life balance, especially for new mothers.
At the trailer launch of Maa, a horror thriller featuring Kajol and set within Devgn’s Shaitaan universe, both actors were asked to weigh in on the matter.
Devgn, who is also a producer, addressed the issue head-on, saying, “An eight-hour shift is not an uncommon demand. People understand this. Most honest filmmakers will not have a problem with it.”
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He further added, “It’s not just about motherhood. Even otherwise, eight-hour shifts are becoming more standard. Most of the industry understands the importance of a sustainable work-life balance.”
Kajol, who stars in Maa, also lent her voice to the conversation. “I love the idea of working less,” she quipped, drawing laughter at the press event.
However, she underlined a more serious note about the changing dynamics of workplace expectations in the film industry, especially for women navigating personal and professional transitions.
The debate stems from Deepika Padukone’s decision to step away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, reportedly over disagreements around her request for a eight-hour workday, a demand the filmmaker allegedly refused to accommodate.
Following her departure, Vanga replaced her with Animal actress Triptii Dimri and appeared to take a veiled swipe at Padukone on X, labeling an unnamed actor “unprofessional.” He also accused the actress of leaking the script of the story and using “dirty PR games” to put down Triptii.
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Deepika Padukone, meanwhile, chose to speak, telling Vogue Arabia, “Whenever I’m faced with complicated or difficult situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and just stand by decisions that really give me a lot of peace is when I feel most in equilibrium.”
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga features Prabhas and Triptii in Spirit after making films like Kabir Singh and Animal, which has a mix of action, romance, and drama.
