Deepika Padukone Exposes Overwork And Burnout Amid Kalki 2, Spirit Exit, Talks About Motherhood

Bollywood star, Deepika Padukone is currently one of the top names of the Indian film industry. She has entertained fans with her versatile acting for almost two decades now. Besides her acting prowess in movies like Kalki 2898 AD, Om Shanti Om, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Pathaan and more, she is also known for her strong personality and outspoken nature. Deepika has sparked a debate in B-town with her comment on the need for an 8-hour work shift. Recently, she has justified her claims, revealing how overworking has been normalised. The mom of a one-year-old also shared her take on motherhood.

Deepika Padukone exposes the normalisation of overworking in the Indian film industry

During a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Deepika Padukone defends her stance on working only eight hours per day. Supporting her claims, she said that eight hours were enough to dedicate to work, and then one can have the rest of the day to themselves. The Pathaan actress felt that people who opposed her statement on a fixed number of working hours for actors did so because of their deep-seated belief in overwork. According to Deepika Padukone, overworking got normalised, and people considered burnout as a sign of commitment to their craft. She said that a healthy body is necessary for giving one's best to their work. Deepika's exact words were:

"We've normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you're healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one."

Deepika Padukone's take on motherhood amid her life with a one-year-old

In the same interview, Deepika also spoke about the kind of support mothers need and deserve. For the unversed, she and her husband, Ranveer Singh, welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Dua Padukone Singh, on September 8, 2024. Deepika has embraced motherhood, calling it the 'best role' of her life and sharing how it has taught her patience and pushed her out of her comfort zone. During her conversation with Harper's Bazaar, she shared that every cliché she had heard about mothers and motherhood was absolutely true.

Deepika mentioned that her respect for her own mother has increased while being a hands-on mom to little Dua. To dedicate time to the mom duties, Deepike needed work-life balance, and thus, the demand for an 8-hour shift arose. The actress also shared that she felt that mothers should be supported by others when they decide to return to their work life. What she meant was that mothers should be given some leeway, as they have the big responsibility of raising a child. Deepika's statement on motherhood was heard as:

"Every cliché is true. When mothers say, 'You'll understand when you become one,' it's true. I have so much more respect for my mother now. You can plan how you think you'll navigate work and motherhood, but the reality is very different. I feel strongly about how new mothers need to be supported when they return to work. That's something I want to focus on."

Deepika Padukone exited Kalki 2898 AD sequel and Spirit due to her unfulfilled demand for an 8-hour shift

Deepika Padukone's reported demand for a daily 8-hour shift was a key factor in her exit from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD and the film, Spirit. Reports also suggest that Deepika's additional demands, including a fee hike and specific accommodations for her entourage, were not met. The production houses of both films cited a lack of commitment on Deepika's part and an inability to form a partnership with her as reasons for parting ways. The actress' exit and demands have sparked a wide debate within the film industry, with some actors supporting her push for better working conditions and others noting that flexibility is often necessary in filmmaking.

What are your thoughts on Deepika Padukone's comments on overworking and the lack of empathy for mothers in workplaces? Let us know.

Also Read: New Parents, Rajkummar Rao And Patralekhaa Once Broke Up Before Marriage, Know How They Reconciled

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