Kareena Kapoor, Ananya Panday support Deepika's 8-hour shift demand
What's the story
Bollywood actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ananya Panday have come out in support of Deepika Padukone's demand for an eight-hour work shift. The debate began after Padukone reportedly left Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD sequel over concerns about long working hours. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kapoor Khan said that it's completely fine for actors to set their working hours before starting a film.
Actor's perspective
Kapoor Khan says, 'be honest'
Kapoor Khan stressed, "So I feel like if you are married and have children, and as a woman...you should be able to say that this is what I want." "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...You need to have that openness." "Not everything can go as planned. So there should be that much flexibility, otherwise it's very difficult."
Support for Padukone
Panday reveals Padukone had 'no complaints' before motherhood
Panday also defended Padukone's demand, 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." "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."
Film exits
What was the controversy all about?
In May 2025, Padukone left Vanga and Prabhas's action film Spirit over reported demands for a profit share and an eight-hour work shift. After her exit, she was replaced by Triptii Dimri. In September 2025, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD announced that Padukone would not be part of the sequel. Soon after, media reports suggested the fallout was linked to her demands for a 25% pay hike, five-star hotel accommodation for her team, and a seven-hour workday.