Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has come out in support of Deepika Padukone following the latter's departure from several high-profile film projects, reportedly due to dispute over fixed working hours.
In a candid interview, Ranaut reflected on the evolution of work-life balance over time. She looked back at her early years alongside Padukone, recalling how both stars once endured gruelling, around-the-clock shifts driven by raw ambition and a relentless drive to reach the top.
On the work hours debate, Ranaut said, "I don't think there should be an issue created out of this because if you see where she (Padukone) is coming from, she has earned that place. She has a daughter, she's a mother now, and the topmost actress. If today she is keen to work for eight hours, she has earned it."
She continued, "Deepika and I… there was a time when we wouldn't settle for anything less than 12-14 hours because we were ferocious. We wanted it. We were at it. We were going for it. We wanted to be successful and wanted all these things."
Also read: Deepika Padukone dropped from ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel
The “Queen” actress shared her thoughts on the initial struggles of actors in the film industry, where they face a higher likelihood of being replaced by other artists. She also criticised the societal pressures that require women to balance intense work demands with family responsibilities.
"I think all the talk about fertility rate, all the talk about marriages collapsing, and all of it, what are we doing? We are putting so much pressure on our women. We are making them work double the amount now with the children," said Ranaut.
Last year, Padukone ignited a heated Bollywood debate after her shocking exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's “Spirit” over specific working conditions, including a demand for an eight-hour work shift. Several celebrities came forward to directly and indirectly weigh in on the need for a structured shift in the industry. Padukone was also dropped from Prabhas-starrer “Kalki 2898 AD”, with the makers mentioning that they decided to part ways with her after "careful consideration," adding that a film like that deserves a higher level of "commitment."
Deepika will seen next in “Raaka”, featuring Allu Arjun, while Kangana was last seen in the film “Emergency”, where she portrayed the role of Indira Gandhi.
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