Deepika Padukone’s exit from 'Spirit' sparks Bollywood work‑life balance debate

India Today

Deepika Padukone’s decision to walk away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit in late May 2025—reportedly due to her request for a capped 8‑hour shooting day—has ignited a wide‑ranging discussion on fair work hours in the film industry.

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00:00Deepika Padukone's decision to walk out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's spirit in late May

00:042025, reportedly over her demand for an 8-hour work shift, has reignited a major conversation

00:10about work-life balance and working hours in Bollywood.

00:13Hadoopya, supporting Deepika on June 9, 2025, posted on Instagram,

00:17New moms need practical support, instead we get shamed or sidelined.

00:21I support Deepika's reasonable request for fare and considerate working hours.

00:25While the internet took sides, more voices are now backing Deepika.

00:28Actor Ajay Devgan said most honest filmmakers wouldn't mind Deepika's demand,

00:328-9 hour shifts are already common and most of the industry understands this.

00:36Director Mani Ratnam, in an interview, said Deepika's request was a rightful demand

00:40and an absolute necessity that filmmakers prioritise and work around.

00:44Rana, in an interview with Lalantop, also weighed in on the debate, stating,

00:48it's a job, you can't be forced to do a job, it's different for everybody and it's not a general discussion.

00:53Work hours in cinema vary by region, project and personal choice,

00:57adding that some actors work just four hours and still deliver more than others.

01:01On May 26, 2025, Vanga fired off a vague post on X, accusing an unnamed actor of dirty PR,

01:07putting down a younger actor and calling her a frustrated cat.

01:11Deepika remarked about staying true to her inner voice at a Cartier event in Stockholm.

01:15In another interview, she emphasised standing by her decisions and finding balance.

01:19Many consider these to be indirect digs at Vanga.

01:22While Deepika's stand has opened up a wider conversation about work culture in showbiz.

01:26What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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