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”

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone sparked a debate in 2025 over actors’ eight-hour work shifts when she reportedly exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Now, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ananya Panday have defended her demands, emphasising the importance of clear communication with producers before starting a film.

Kareena Kapoor, Ananya Panday On Deepika Padukone’s 8 Hour Work Shift Demand

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kareena expressed her views on balancing work and family. She said, “Everything needs to be well planned, and actors must be clear with producers right from the beginning.”

Kareena further discussed Deepika’s eight-hour shift request. She added, “If actors are married, they need a partner who understands, as they cannot both work and leave the children alone.”

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She explained that sometimes sacrifices are necessary, whether in time or choosing which projects to take on. “If you are married and have children, and as a woman, if you do not want to give that time, you should be able to say that this is what I want. I can work this number of hours. I think it’s completely fine to say that way before a film starts. You have to be honest. Of course, a few days might go haywire because there’s no way that some days might not go wrong. You need to have that openness. Not everything can go as planned. So there should be that much flexibility, otherwise it’s very difficult.”

Ananya On Her Gehraaiyaan Co-Star

Ananya Panday also supported Deepika, saying, “I have worked with Deepika. And before she became a mother, there was no such thing like that. She was working, coming for workshops, no complaints and no asking for anything. Now she’s a mother, this is what she needs to be present with her child in the first two years of her child’s growth. I think it’s okay to have a conversation with your producer to find a balance. It’s something that can be worked around.”

What Is Deepika Padukone’s 8 Hour Work Shift Demand?

In May 2025, Deepika reportedly left Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Prabhas’s film after demanding a profit share and an eight-hour workday. This allegedly upset the director. She was later replaced by Triptii Dimri. Subsequently, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD revealed that Deepika would not participate in the sequel. Reports suggested her exit was due to demands for a 25% pay increase, a five-star hotel stay for her team, and an eight-hour workday. These incidents reignited the debate on whether actors should have fixed working hours in the film industry.

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Also Read: Deepika Padukone Drops Cryptic Note Amid Rejecting The White Lotus Season 4 Row; Says, “Real Power Shows Up When Chaos Hits”

Akankshya Mukherjee

Akankshya Mukherjee is a dynamic and ambitious individual poised to make waves in the realm of Media and Communication. With a passion for creativity and a drive to contribute to forward-thinking organizations, Akankshya embodies adaptability and a hunger for learning. Having already garnered experience through involvement in various organizations, she has honed the skill of quickly adapting to new environments and challenges. She sees each opportunity as a chance for personal and professional growth, eagerly embracing roles in communications and content writing.