She was working with no complaints’: Why Ananya Panday and Kareena Kapoor are defending Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work rule; expert on the impact of support

A debate sweeping through the Hindi film industry has ignited discussions not just about work schedules but also about work‑life balance, gender roles, and support for mothers in demanding careers. At the center of it all is Deepika Padukone — one of Bollywood’s biggest stars — and her reported preference for an eight‑hour structured workday after becoming a mother. While the topic has drawn controversy and polarized opinions online, prominent actresses Ananya Panday and Kareena Kapoor Khan have publicly defended Padukone’s stance, stressing the importance of flexibility and understanding for working mothers.
The conversation gained traction following a viral discussion about Padukone’s work preferences after she welcomed her child. Traditionally, film shoots in India — much like in Hollywood — involve long, often unpredictable hours. Actors can regularly work 12‑hour days or more, and schedules are set with little regard for personal limitations or caregiving responsibilities. Critics argued that putting a time limit on working hours might appear unreasonable in an industry known for its hectic production pace. However, Panday and Kapoor both challenged this notion.
During a recent media interaction, Ananya Panday emphasized that Padukone’s career history contradicts any assumption that she has always demanded short hours. Panday recalled working with Padukone before she became a mother, noting that there were no complaints or requests for limited hours at that time. “She was working, coming for workshops, no complaints, no asking for anything in that sort of way,” Panday said, highlighting that the key difference now is Padukone’s new role as a parent and the priorities that come with it.
Similarly, Kareena Kapoor Khan drew on her own experience balancing a high‑profile career with raising her two children. Speaking candidly, Kapoor outlined the realities of motherhood and the practical need for advance planning when shooting abroad or for long‑term projects. She explained how clear communication with production teams and support from family members helped her manage both responsibilities successfully. “If you’ve children and as a mother you’re not able to give that much time, you should be allowed to have that freedom to express that to the producers well in advance,” Kapoor said, advocating for empathy and openness between actors and filmmakers.
These supportive voices reflect a broader cultural shift in how careers — especially in creative industries — are viewed and structured. According to clinical psychologist Rasshi Gurnani, the early years of motherhood involve “significant psychological, emotional, and biological adjustments,” including hormonal shifts, sleep disruptions, and attachment formation with the child. Expecting a strict return to an unyielding schedule immediately after childbirth can increase stress, anxiety, and emotional strain for many women.
Supportive workplace arrangements — such as structured hours, flexibility, and gradual reintegration — are seen by experts not as concessions but as adaptive strategies that help maintain productivity while respecting life changes. Gurnani notes that when organizations or teams implement such flexibility, outcomes often improve, with helped individuals remaining engaged, creative, and loyal over the long term.
The public response to the debate reveals deep social undercurrents. For years, women in the workforce — whether in film, business, or service sectors — have grappled with expectations to choose between professional ambition and familial duties. Bollywood, as a high‑visibility industry, mirrors those broader societal tensions, making the Padukone debate about working hours resonate far beyond celebrity gossip columns.
Veteran actors like Supriya Pathak have also weighed in, echoing the sentiment that the challenges women face are different and often more complex. She highlighted that balancing multiple responsibilities simultaneously is a reality for many women, and that respectful, considerate work environments can help ease the strain.
While some critics argue that structured hours could complicate film production logistics, Padukone’s supporters stress that negotiation and understanding are part of professional collaboration. Having a conversation about schedules upfront, they say, can prevent stress, enhance mutual respect, and even improve performance outcomes.
Ultimately, the debate isn’t merely about a specific number of hours on set. It symbolizes a growing recognition of women’s diverse roles, evolving workplace expectations, and the power of industry leaders to influence change. With backing from fellow actresses like Panday and Kapoor, Padukone’s stance may help normalize dialogues around balanced work lives — not just for stars but for all women navigating careers and family responsibilities.