Kajal Aggarwal Backs Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Work Shift Demand: ‘I Have Clauses Too’

Kajal Aggarwal has voiced her support for Deepika Padukone amid the ongoing conversation around fixed working hours for new mothers in the film industry. Deepika, who welcomed her daughter Dua Padukone Singh with Ranveer Singh in 2024, has been at the centre of debate after reportedly asking for an eight-hour work shift following motherhood.

Now, Kajal has said that she understands where Deepika is coming from, adding that she too has introduced similar clauses in her own contracts.

Kajal Aggarwal Supports Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Work Shift Demand

Speaking to Zoom, Kajal revealed that she now has certain work conditions clearly mentioned in her contracts. The actress shared that she specifies her working hours and also avoids working on Sundays

so that she can spend time with her child.

“I also have clauses written in my contract now where I specify my working hours and say that I don’t work on Sundays, so that I can dedicate that time to my child. I can’t work around the clock like I used to,” Kajal said.

Her statement comes at a time when Deepika’s reported demand for an eight-hour workday has triggered wider discussions about how the film industry accommodates women, especially new mothers, who are trying to balance professional commitments with parenthood.

Kajal Aggarwal Says ‘It’s All About Priorities’

Kajal further said that Deepika’s request was not unreasonable and that she fully supports the idea of fixed working hours. According to her, actors work hard for years to eventually reach a stage where they can make such choices.

“It’s all about priorities, and you work so hard to eventually be in a position of choice, to eventually be in a position where you can have a very simple request, and it’s not too much to ask for. It happens in the corporate world. It happens all over. Why not in the film industry as well?” she added.

Kajal also pointed out that such systems already exist in several other professional spaces, and there is no reason why the film industry should be treated differently.

Is The Film Industry Kind To New Mothers?

When asked whether the film industry is supportive of new mothers, Kajal admitted that things are slowly changing. However, she also said that the industry has not always been kind to women trying to strike a balance between their personal and professional lives.

The actress added that she is now very clear about the kind of films she wants to take up and the kind of projects she chooses to avoid. This clarity, she said, helps her give equal importance to her career and family.

Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Controversy

Deepika Padukone welcomed her daughter Dua Padukone Singh with Ranveer Singh on September 8, 2024. The actress reportedly asked for eight-hour work shifts after becoming a mother. Reports claimed that when the makers of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit could not meet this requirement, she stepped away from the film as well as the Kalki 2898 AD sequel.

Reacting to the larger controversy, Deepika later told CNBC TV18, without naming any specific project, that many male actors have been working only eight hours a day for years.

Meanwhile, Deepika is reportedly expecting her second baby with Ranveer Singh.