Deepika Padukone Slams Bollywood Double Standards: 'Male Superstars Work 8 Hours, But No Headlines'

from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Speculations suggested that her decision to work an 8-hour shift as a new mother was the reason behind her stepping away from the projects. In an interview with

CNBC-TV18, Deepika called out the glaring double standards in Bollywood: “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 further added, “I don’t want to take names now and make this into this whole thing but it’s very commonly, publicly known about a lot of male actors who have been working for 8 hours for years. A lot of them work only 8-hours Monday to Friday, they do not work on weekends.”

Deepika Padukone on her 8 hour shift demand.
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Calling For Industry Reforms
Deepika emphasised that the Indian film industry remains disorganized despite being called an ‘industry’. She stated,
“I think the larger issue is that while the Indian film industry is called an ‘industry’, we’ve never really functioned like one. It’s extremely disorganised, and it’s about time we brought in proper systems and structure.”

On whether she is the lone voice advocating for fair working conditions, Deepika said, “I also know a lot of women now and newly turned mothers who have also started working eight hours. But that also surprisingly didn’t make headlines. So I’m not sure about this myself.”

Fighting Battles Silently
Addressing criticism for demanding fair work conditions, Deepika revealed her philosophy: “I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me. I think, even as far as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I don’t even know what to call it, but I am someone who has always fought my battles silently. And for some strange reason, sometimes they become public which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles silently and in a dignified way is the way I know.”

Despite stepping away from two major projects, Deepika has an exciting lineup ahead. She will star in King alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan and also join Allu Arjun and Atlee in their upcoming venture, proving that her career continues to thrive despite industry pushback.