"Male Superstars Have Been Working Eight Hours A Day...": Deepika Padukone Opens Up On Spirit, Kalki Exit
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has spoken publicly about the recent controversy surrounding her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit and her removal from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel.
In an interview earlier this week, the actor addressed questions about reports that her decision to limit her working hours on the set of Spirit sparked disagreements with the production team.
Deepika said, “By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it. But it is no secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars, in the Indian film industry have been working eight hours a day for years. A lot of them only work Monday to Friday, and they do not work on weekends.”
According to industry insiders, Deepika reportedly requested an eight-hour working day during the shoot of Spirit so that she could spend time with her daughter, Dua.
When her demands could not be accommodated, she decided to step away from the project. Speaking about the broader context of working culture in Indian cinema, she added, “Even though the Indian film industry is termed as an industry, we have never really worked like an industry. It’s a very disorganised industry, and I think it’s time we brought in some system into this culture.”
Deepika also commented on her exit from Kalki 2898 AD, which was announced by Vyjayanthi Movies. The production house stated that they had given “careful consideration” but felt that a film like Kalki deserved a higher level of “commitment.”
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The actor’s statements underline ongoing discussions about work culture, gender expectations, and professional standards in Indian cinema. Her candid remarks have drawn widespread attention, particularly for highlighting the double standards between male and female actors and the need for structured working hours across the industry.
