Deepika Padukone Glows In First Appearance After Exposing Bollywood's Bias For 'Male Superstars'

Nothing can dull Deepika Padukone’s glow, not even controversies. Hours after she made headlines for speaking out against Bollywood’s double standards, the actress was seen exuding boss-lady charm at the Mumbai airport.

Dressed in a chic, beige co-ord set, Deepika looked effortlessly stylish as she exited the General Aviation Terminal at Kalina, Santacruz. She paired her look with oversized sunglasses and her signature sleek bun, smiling and waving at paparazzi who eagerly captured her first public appearance since the viral interview with CNBC-TV18.

Deepika Padukone’s Sharp Take On Gender Bias In her recent interview with CNBC-TV18, Deepika boldly addressed the conversation surrounding her exit from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD. The actress clarified

her stance on demanding an 8-hour work shift as a new mother.

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“By virtue of being a woman if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it. But it is no secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars in the Indian film industry have been working for 8 hours for years and it’s never made headlines,” she said.

The Pathaan star added that many male actors have long maintained Monday-to-Friday work schedules without scrutiny — a reality that points to systemic gender bias in Bollywood.

Deepika Calls For Industry Reform
Deepika further urged for structure within the Indian film industry, saying, “While it’s called an ‘industry,’ we’ve never really functioned like one. It’s extremely disorganized, and it’s about time we brought in proper systems and structure.”

She also expressed that several women, especially new mothers, have adopted similar work patterns but received no attention for it.

Meanwhile, on the professional front, Deepika will next be seen in King, directed by Siddharth Anand and co-starring Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan. The film recently wrapped its Poland schedule and is among 2026’s most anticipated releases.