From ‘Spirit’ to ‘Kalki 2898 AD’: Deepika Padukone Opens Up on Work-Life Battle and Industry Bias

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 1,650 Views

Deepika Padukone clarifies her decision to demand an 8-hour daily work limit, highlighting industry double standards and gender bias. She opens up about postpartum struggles balancing motherhood and career after exiting the films Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change in Bollywood’s work culture.

Deepika Padukone recently addressed the controversy surrounding her demand for an 8-hour shooting day, a stance that led to her walking out of two major projects — Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Speaking candidly in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, Deepika shed light on the unequal expectations between male and female actors in the Indian film industry.

Deepika stressed that many male superstars have worked 8-hour days regularly without media spotlight or criticism. “By virtue of being a woman, if that comes across as pushy or whatever, so be it,” she said, pointing to the “double standards” and “chalta hai” culture prevailing in film sets. She highlighted that male actors often work only Monday to Friday, 8 hours a day, enjoying weekends off — a condition rarely extended to actresses.

In discussing her exit from Spirit, reports suggested her desire for a 7-8 hour shift to maintain a healthy work-life balance with her newborn daughter Dua, alongside demands for profit-sharing and crew accommodations. The Kalki 2898 AD makers also confirmed her departure after “careful consideration,” citing the need for full partnership and commitment for a film of such scale.

Deepika acknowledged the backlash and criticism, saying she has learned to “cut out the noise” and is prepared to be a pioneer in pushing for policy changes. She described her upbringing and athlete mentality as sources of resilience, enabling her to “fight these battles silently and with dignity” despite public scrutiny.

Currently, Deepika is moving forward positively, having commenced shooting for her upcoming film King alongside Shah Rukh Khan, marking their sixth collaboration.

Notable Updates

Deepika demands 8-hour work shifts, citing parity with male actors’ schedules.

Calls out industry’s “chalta hai” mindset as disorganized and discriminatory toward women.

Exits from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD attributed partly to work hour demands and creative differences.

Deepika balances new motherhood with career, advocating better work-life integration for actresses.

Industry norms criticized for unfair double standards regarding working hours for male vs female stars.

Deepika emphasizes silent, dignified fight against systemic issues, leveraging athlete-like resilience.

Currently shooting for King with Shah Rukh Khan, focusing on future projects.

Deepika Padukone’s candid remarks open a vital conversation on reforming Bollywood work culture to support gender equity, health, and family priorities.

Sources: NDTV, Hindustan Times, CNBC TV 18, Indian Express, Times of India