Kangana Ranaut BACKS ‘Top Most Actress’ Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Work Shift Demand; Says, “She Has Earned It”

Kangana Ranaut has stepped into the ongoing conversation around work-life balance in the film industry, backing Deepika Padukone’s much-discussed demand for an 8-hour work shift. The debate, which began last year after Deepika exited two major projects, continues to divide opinion within the industry. However, Kangana has now offered a clear perspective, linking the demand to experience, personal priorities, and the evolving realities of being a working mother.

Kangana Ranaut Backs Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Work Shift Demand

Speaking on the ANI podcast, Kangana Ranaut addressed the issue directly and supported Deepika Padukone’s stance. “I don’t think there should be an issue created out of this because if you see where she (Deepika Padukone) is coming from, she has earned that place. 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,” she said. Her comments shift the focus from industry norms to individual agency, especially for actors at the top of their careers.

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Kangana Ranaut also reflected on how work culture changes over time. She recalled, “Deepika and I, when we were together, she said that they were working on Imtiaz’s film or something. She said, ‘We have a 12-hour shift.’ In response, I said that I work for only 10 hours. She’s like, you know, that’s amazing.”

Kangana recalled, “So there was a time when we wouldn’t settle for anything less than 12-14 hours because we were ferocious. We wanted it. We were at it. We were going for it. We wanted to be successful and wanted all these things.” She then added context to the present, saying, “Let me just conclude it with this. You know, when you’re new, you’re coming up, and you are replaceable. Your place is different. She (Deepika), being where she is, she’s a mother. She’s got a family to look after.”

Meanwhile, the discussion around Deepika’s work hours continues to remain relevant. The actor is currently attached to major projects, including Raaka with Allu Arjun and King with Shah Rukh Khan. On the other hand, Kangana was last seen in Emergency, where she portrayed Indira Gandhi, and is preparing for her international debut with Blessed Be the Evil.

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About Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Demand

The debate began when Deepika exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, starring Prabhas, reportedly over her request to limit working hours to 8 per day as a new mother. She also stepped away from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. While some industry voices called the demand reasonable and long overdue, others argued that such constraints could challenge large-scale film productions. The discussion has since evolved into a broader conversation about working conditions, especially for women balancing demanding careers and motherhood.

Kangana’s remarks add another layer to the ongoing debate. Instead of framing the issue as a conflict, she positions it as a natural shift in priorities. Her support highlights a larger change in the industry, one where established actors begin to define their own boundaries. As conversations around work culture continue, Deepika’s stance and Kangana’s backing signal a move towards more flexible and personal approaches to success.

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Also Read: Kareena Kapoor, Ananya Panday Back Deepika Padukone’s 8 Hour Work Shift Demand; Say, “You Should Have The Freedom To Say This Is What I Want”

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.