Saba Azad Supports Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Demand; Says There Is No Pay Parity In Industry

Saba

Azad is all set to feature in Anurag Kashyap’s next, Bandar, which is scheduled to be released on June 5, 2026, in theatres. The actress is known for putting her thoughts on several issues in the society clearly and confidently. In a recent media interaction, Saba came out in support of Deepika Padukone’s demand for an 8-hour shift and explained how the actresses face patriarchy in the showbiz. Moreover, Saba Azad also opened up about a huge gender-based pay gap in the industry. The Mujhse Fraandship Karoge actress also mentioned how the people treat women and men differently at home.

Saba Azad Supports Deepika Padukone

In an interview with SCREEN, Saba Azad said that people don't allow all girls to step out after 8 pm, but they don’t tell anything to boys. She feels that there’s female infanticide. According to her, the world is full of domestic violence, and the manosphere is hyperactive. She feels we as society have gone backwards. Saba Azad stated that patriarchy makes it impossible for men to have emotions. They start expecting unnecessary things from women. When asked about the film industry, Saba said that the field of art has been leaps and bounds ahead of society. It challenges society’s perceptions.

She mentioned that women have much more work in the industry now, but there is a huge pay gap. The Crime Beat actress said, “Do we have pay parity? No, we don’t. Do we respect women who have just given birth and are asking for 8-hour days? No, we don't; we are still struggling with that.” With this statement, she indirectly supported Deepika Padukone’s ask. However, things are changing, and powerful roles are now being written for women in films and web series. Coming back to Deepika Padukone, the actress left Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD sequel after allegedly demanding 8-hour shifts post delivering her first child, Dua. Many actresses echoed her thoughts. On the professional front, Deepika will next be seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s King.

About Saba Azad

Coming back to Saba Azad, the actress’ next, Bandar also features Bobby Deol, Sanya Malhotra, Sapna Pabbi, Indrajith Sukumaran, Jitendra Joshi, Raj B Shetty, Nagesh Bhonsle, Riddhi Sen and others in key roles. It has been directed by Anurag Kashyap. Apart from that, Saba is also a part of her boyfriend and actor Hrithik Roshan’s next production venture, Storm, which also features Parvathy Thiruvothu, Alaya F, Priyanka Setia, Srishti Shrivastava and others in pivotal roles.