In an industry that rarely agrees on power, pay, or working hours, Kangana Ranaut backing Deepika Padukone has instantly turned a routine work culture debate into one of Bollywood’s most closely watched conversations. As chatter around Deepika’s eight hour workday demand continues, Kangana has made it clear that the actor’s position comes from experience, stature, and a life that now includes motherhood.
Kangana Backs Deepika’s Stand
In an interview with ANI, Kangana said there should be no issue made out of Deepika’s request for fixed working hours. “I don’t think there should be an issue created out of this because if you see where she 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,” Kangana said.
The actor also reflected on how ambitions and expectations change with time. Recalling an earlier conversation with Deepika from their younger years in the industry, Kangana said both of them had once accepted gruelling schedules as part of the climb. She remembered Deepika telling her they were working 12 hour shifts on an Imtiaz Ali film, while Kangana herself had considered a 10 hour shift a luxury at the time. According to Kangana, there was a phase when neither of them would have settled for anything less than 12 to 14 hours because they were fiercely driven and determined to succeed.
Why Motherhood Is Reframing Star Power
Kangana placed the conversation in a larger social context, arguing that the pressure on women has only intensified. She said that when actors are starting out, they are more replaceable and their equation with the industry is very different. But for someone like Deepika, who is now balancing work with motherhood, the working arrangement can and should adapt around her.
She also spoke about the wider burden women carry while navigating careers, marriage, and children. Her argument was simple, if the industry values a star enough, it can accommodate her time. Her comments arrive as the discussion around Deepika’s work conditions and fixed hour expectations continues to ripple through the film business.
Deepika Padukone’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Deepika was last seen in Singham Again and Kalki 2898 AD, both released in 2024, followed by Fighter earlier the same year alongside Hrithik Roshan. Taken together, the run showed how firmly she remained plugged into big ticket Hindi and pan Indian spectacles while also shaping conversations far beyond the screen.
Her next professional moves are now under especially close watch because they sit at the intersection of stardom, motherhood, and evolving workplace expectations in Bollywood. With the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD already drawing attention after the first film’s release, Deepika’s choices are continuing to influence not just casting chatter, but the larger conversation around how top female stars want to work.
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