Deepika Padukone Breaks Silence On 8-Hour Work Debate, Calls Out Double Standards

Recently, actor Deepika Padukone opened up about her recent departure from the films 'Spirit' and 'Kalki 2898 AD', with reports citing that Padukone was asked to leave after she requested 8-hour work days.

The 'Jawaan' star has now spoken out about the debate, stating that there are double standards within the Indian film industry. In an interview, she noted that her 8-hour work shift request has been called out while her male colleagues have had fixed work hours for years now.

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Deepika's Take On The 8-Hour Work Debacle

In an interview with CNBC TV18, Padukone said that by virtue of being a woman, if that comes across as pushy or whatever, then so be it, but it is not secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars, in the Indian film industry, have been working for 8 hours for years, and it's never made headlines!

She added that she doesn't want to take names now and make this into a whole thing, but it is very commonly, publicly known that a lot of male actors have been working for 8 hours a day for years. "A lot of them only work for 8 hours Monday to Friday. They do not work on weekends."

Deepika's Departure From Spirit And Kalki 2898 AD Sequel

The actor faced backlash after she was asked to leave 'Spirit', after wanting to work only 8 hours a day, so she could spend time with her daughter Dua. However, she was asked to exit the film as her demands seemed unrealistic.

Following her exit from 'Spirit', director Sandeep Vanga Reddy also opened up on social media, without mentioning Padukone's name. Reddy posted on X, "When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement' between us. But by doing this, you've 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are."

Vyjayanthi Movies also announced that Padukone will no longer be part of the ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel. They said that they decided to oust Padukone from the film after "careful consideration", adding that a film like 'Kalki' requires more "commitment".

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On The Work Front

Only a few days after being removed from the 'Kalki 2898 AD' sequel, Padukone began shooting for 'King', which also stars Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan in lead roles. She is also working on Atlee's upcoming film 'AA22xA6' with Allu Arjun as protagonist.

Image courtesy: Instagram

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