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Deepika Padukone's demand for an eight-hour work shift amid the Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel exit row sparked a massive debate about working hours
for new mothers in the film industry. While many celebrities backed the Bollywood actress, others argued that the entertainment industry cannot function on fixed schedules. Now, actress Kajal Aggarwal has come out in her support. Calling the backlash against Deepika "completely unfair," The India Story actress revealed that she, too, has clauses in her contracts specifying her working hours and ensuring Sundays are kept off so she can spend quality time with her son.
Kajal Aggarwal On Balancing Career, Motherhood
In an exclusive interview with Zoom, Kajal said that balancing motherhood and her career has been the most challenging phase of her life, as she feels equally committed to both her child and her profession. She admitted that the constant guilt of dividing her time between the two makes it difficult to maintain balance, but credited her strong support system for helping her manage. She explained that she and her husband Gautam Kitchlu coordinate their schedules to ensure their son is never neglected. Kajal added that she makes her son understand that although she goes to work, she always returns to him.
When asked about the industry not being kind, she responded, "I think things are changing. You're right. They definitely haven't been the best to new moms and to moms who are trying to balance it all out for themselves. But things are changing now, and I am pretty clear about the kind of films that I want to do and don't want to do."
Kajal Aggarwal Stands By Deepika Padukone's 8-Hour Shift Demand
She added, "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 also reacted to Deepika's 8-hour shift demand and said, "Oh, I completely stand by her. I completely understand what she's saying. 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?"
Kajal said that the film industry has become increasingly corporatised, with corporate funding and productions now being the norm. She questioned why similar corporate work practices were not being adopted in this aspect as well and wondered why such dual standards still existed.
