Actress Saba Azad has voiced strong opinions on the persistent challenges women face in society and the entertainment industry, months after reports about Deepika Padukone's alleged exit from the film Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD sparked widespread debate over working conditions for actresses in Bollywood.
Deepika Padukone's 8-Hour Shift Demand
Deepika Padukone had reportedly requested an 8-hour work shift after embracing motherhood. This demand, according to reports, was not well-received by producers and eventually led to her stepping away from the projects. The reports ignited extensive online conversations about sexism and the treatment of women in the film industry.
Saba Azad Speaks on Gender Expectations
During promotions for Who's Your Gynac? Season 2, Saba Azad reflected on patriarchy and how deeply ingrained gender expectations continue to be, even in supposedly progressive spaces. She told The Indian Express, "In the most progressive homes, women could be working, but she will come back and lay the table, feed everybody. We don't tell our boys to stay at home, but tell the girls not to step out after 8 pm. There's female infanticide, this world is full of domestic violence, and the manosphere is hyperactive. I think we have gone backwards."
The actress added that patriarchal systems negatively impact men as well. "There was an upswing which lasted till the early 2000s, then it plateaued, and then it crashed. I won't go into the political reasons of why it has happened; patriarchy doesn't serve anyone, least of all men. It makes it impossible for men to have emotions, to say no, or to cry. There are so many unnecessary expectations the patriarchy puts on women and men. Nobody is having a good time within that system, and we have a long way to go," Saba stated.
Women Demanding 8-Hour Work Shifts
Speaking specifically about women in the entertainment industry, Saba acknowledged that although opportunities for actresses have improved, many structural issues still remain unresolved. "The field of art has been leaps and bounds ahead of society; it challenges society's perception. There is so much more work for women in our industry now; it is so much better. But do we have pay parity? No, we don't. Do we respect women who have just given birth and are asking for 8-hour days? No, we don't, we are still struggling with that," she said.
"We are still unable to give women that without showing them their place, so to speak. We are doing better; there is a lot more content for women, and there is no clear hierarchy if you get married anymore. It is so much better in terms of roles for married women or older women; OTT can be thanked for that. Content is winning over stardom," she added.
Deepika Padukone Called the Situation 'Ridiculously Unfair'
In 2025, Deepika Padukone's reported exits from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel became a talking point after reports claimed the actress's request for shorter work hours was viewed as unreasonable by producers. The actress had reportedly sought an 8-hour shift to better balance work and motherhood responsibilities. Speaking earlier to Brut India, Deepika described the situation as "ridiculously unfair."
On the work front, Deepika Padukone will next be seen in King alongside Shah Rukh Khan. The actress also announced her second pregnancy on April 19.
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