Kangana Ranaut Stands Up for Deepika Padukone in Work Hours Controversy
In a powerful show of solidarity, actress Kangana Ranaut has publicly defended Deepika Padukone after the latter's high-profile departures from major film projects, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Spirit' and the sequel to 'Kalki 2898 AD'. The controversy erupted over Deepika's demand for an eight-hour workday, with Kangana emphasizing that a superstar of Padukone's caliber, who is also a new mother, has unequivocally "earned the right" to set her own terms.
Reflecting on Changing Priorities in Bollywood
During an interview with ANI, Kangana delved into how perspectives on work-life balance evolve with time and experience. She nostalgically recalled the early days when both she and Deepika pushed through grueling, marathon shooting schedules, driven by fierce ambition and a relentless hunger for success. Addressing the ongoing debate, Kangana stated, "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 topmost actress. If today she is keen to work for eight hours, she has earned it."
Ranaut further elaborated, sharing a personal anecdote: "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. 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."
Challenges for Newcomers and Societal Pressures
The 'Queen' actress also highlighted the harsh realities faced by newcomers in the film industry, where they are often easily replaceable by rivals. She criticized societal expectations that force women to juggle demanding work schedules with family responsibilities. Kangana concluded, "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. She's also earned that place where people are going to say that, wait a minute, I want her. And it's okay if she comes for eight hours because we'll work around her time. So why not? And I think all the talk about fertility rate, all the talk about marriages collapsing, and all of it, what are we doing? We are putting so much pressure on our women. We are making them work double the amount now with the children."
Deepika Padukone's Project Exits and Industry Impact
Deepika Padukone's bold exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Spirit' last year, primarily over her insistence on an eight-hour workday, ignited widespread debate across the entertainment sector. Following her stand, numerous celebrities expressed support, either directly or indirectly, for implementing fixed working hours on film sets.
Similarly, the makers of Prabhas' 'Kalki 2898 AD' announced their decision to part ways with Deepika, citing that a project of such scale demands a higher level of "commitment". This move further fueled discussions about work conditions in Bollywood.
Upcoming Ventures for the Actresses
Looking ahead, Deepika Padukone is set to star in 'Raaka', featuring Allu Arjun in the lead role. Meanwhile, Kangana Ranaut was last seen in 'Emergency', where she portrayed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
This incident underscores the ongoing conversation about gender roles, work ethics, and personal boundaries in the fast-paced world of Indian cinema, with Kangana's support adding a significant voice to the discourse.
