Deepika Padukone has finally spoken up about the controversy revolving around her work hours and her exit from Kalki movie and Spirit.
Deepika recently appeared in an interview with CNBC-TV18 and talked about several significant topics, particularly addressing the controversy and her reflections on motherhood.
She addressed the public speculation following her exit from films like Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, which was reportedly due to her request for an 8-hour workday as a new mother.
Triptii Dimri replaces Deepika Padukone in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit
She pointed out the gender bias in the film industry, stating, “It is no secret that a lot of male superstars in the Indian Film Industry have been working for 8 hours for years, and it’s never made headlines!”
She suggested that her demand for better work-life balance was viewed as “pushy” because she is a woman, despite it being a standard practice for many male actors.
She also called the Indian film industry “disorganised” and said it’s time to bring system and structure to its work culture.
While talking about her new real-life role as a mother, she spoke about how being a mother to her daughter, Dua, has been “gratifying and beautiful.”
She said motherhood has pushed her out of her comfort zone in a good way, making her more patient and social than she was before.
She remarked that she is “playing the best role of my life now.”
She emphasized the importance of returning to basics for mental well-being: quality sleep, hydration, nutrition, and exercise, calling them more important than “fancy” therapies.
She expressed her deep need to be “ridiculously honest and authentic,” stating that she is “okay with ruffling feathers” and “challenging the status quo” even if it means facing conflict or criticism.
