Deepika Padukone has finally responded to the allegations that she imposes unreasonable demands before signing a film — including an 8-hour work limit, a 25-member entourage, and hefty remuneration.
It was widely reported that the makers of both Spirit and Kalki 2 chose not to proceed with her because of these conditions. Until now, Deepika remained silent, but she addressed the controversy in a recent TV interview.
She defended her 8-hour working rule by citing motherhood and pointed out that many male superstars have been working under similar time constraints for years.
She rightly questioned why different rules should apply to a female star of her stature. If male actors enjoy such privileges, then Deepika too has the right to demand reasonable working hours. On that front, she is not wrong.
However, in the same interview, she contradicted herself. She mentioned that many other actresses in the industry who also became mothers recently — like her — are working only 8 hours a day, yet no one is making headlines about them.
And that’s where the real issue lies. If other actresses like Alia Bhatt and others are following the same schedule, and no one is objecting, then clearly the industry does not have a problem with actors requesting limited working hours. So what makes Deepika's case different?
The difference, sources say, is that none of the other stars — male or female — insist on putting these conditions into formal agreements. They remain flexible and accommodate longer hours when required.
Deepika, on the other hand, reportedly demands a strict contract for under-8-hour shifts, along with 5-star accommodation for a 25-member entourage.
That is why the makers seem to have no issue with other new-mom actresses, but they do take issue with Deepika's approach. In their view, the problem is not the demand — it’s the rigidity.