Deepika Padukone pushes for new-mother support, defends 8-hour shifts after exit from Spirit, Kalki 2898 AD Sequel

Amid the buzz around her exit from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, Deepika Padukone has shifted the spotlight to a conversation she believes the industry must take seriously- supporting new mothers and adopting healthier work practices.

Also Read: Is Shaktimaan really shelved? Third blow for Ranveer Singh after Deepika Padukone’s exit from 2 big films!

Deepika Opens Up on Motherhood and the Need for Change

During a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, she reflected on how motherhood has transformed her worldview.

When asked if motherhood changed her, Deepika said, "One hundred per cent. Every cliché is true. When mothers say, ‘You’ll understand when you become one,’ it’s true. I have so much more respect for my mother now. You can plan how you think you’ll navigate work and motherhood, but the reality is very different. I feel strongly about how new mothers need to be supported when they return to work. That’s something I want to focus on."

Why Deepika Wants Bollywood to Embrace the 8-Hour Shift?

Deepika recently drew attention for pushing the idea of an eight-hour workday- still rare in the film industry. She believes the culture of glorifying exhaustion must end.

As she explained, "We’ve normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you’re healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one. In my own office, we work eight hours a day, Monday to Friday. We have maternity and paternity policies. We should normalise bringing children to work."

The Story Behind Her Exit From Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD Sequel

Deepika and Ranveer welcomed their first child in September 2024. Soon after, she stepped away from two major projects. Her departure from Spirit was reportedly due to disagreements over profit-sharing and work-hour expectations, after which Triptii Dimri replaced her.

Related Story: Kalki 2898 AD sequel: Alia Bhatt to replace Deepika Padukone?

Around the same time, the makers of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel announced she was no longer part of the cast, stating they couldn’t “find a partnership,” amid reports of her seeking better pay and defined working conditions.