In a move that has surprised many given their history of professional friction, actor and MP Kangana Ranaut has come out in strong support of Deepika Padukone. The “Queen” star recently weighed in on the heated industry debate regarding Padukone’s reported demand for an eight-hour work shift on film sets.
The controversy began when reports surfaced that Deepika Padukone had exited high-profile projects, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, due to disagreements over working hours. While some industry insiders labeled the demand “unprofessional,” Kangana Ranaut has offered a different perspective, emphasizing that a star of Deepika’s stature should be allowed to set her own terms.
Speaking during a recent interview Kangana argued that the criticism directed at Deepika is misplaced. She pointed out that Padukone has spent nearly two decades in the industry and has reached a position where she is no longer “replaceable.”
“I don’t think there should be an issue created out of this because if you see where she is coming from, she has earned that place,” Kangana stated. She specifically highlighted Deepika’s new role as a mother, noting that personal responsibilities naturally shift a professional’s priorities. “She has a daughter, she’s a mother now, and the top-most actress. If today she is keen to work for eight hours, she has earned it.”
Kangana didn’t stop at defending Deepika’s personal choice; she also called out what she perceives as double standards in Bollywood. She noted that many male superstars have been following fixed eight-hour schedules for years without facing public backlash or being labeled “difficult.”
“By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as pushy, then so be it,” Kangana remarked. She suggested that the industry often expects women to manage punishing schedules while also handling family obligations, a pressure that contributes to burnout and broader societal issues like declining fertility rates and collapsing marriages.
Reflecting on her own journey, Kangana recalled a time when both she and Deepika were “ferocious” and willing to work 12- to 14-hour shifts to secure their place in the sun. She shared an anecdote about a conversation they had years ago where they compared their shift lengths, noting that back then, the hunger for success outweighed the need for balance.
However, Kangana argued that the “grind” is for newcomers who are still proving their worth. For established icons, the rules of the game change. “She’s got a family to look after. She’s also earned that place where people are going to say, ‘Wait a minute, I want her. And it’s okay if she comes for eight hours because we’ll work around her time.'”
Deepika Padukone herself recently addressed the buzz, stating that her advocacy for an eight-hour shift is about creating a “return to sanity” and a healthier work environment for everyone. Other actors, including Kajol and Kareena Kapoor Khan, have also voiced support for more structured and respectful working conditions in the film industry.
As the debate continues to trend on social media, Kangana’s support marks a rare moment of solidarity between two of Bollywood’s biggest powerhouses, signaling a potential shift in how the industry views the labor and time of its leading women.
Kangana Ranaut supports Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work demand. To know
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