Mumbai, November 15, 2025 – Bollywood actress Alia Bhatt has shown her support for Deepika Padukone, who has been receiving widespread recognition for her continued advocacy for mental health awareness and her candid discussions about maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Padukone's recent comments on the importance of an eight-hour workday and creating supportive environments for working mothers have resonated deeply within the industry and beyond.
Deepika Padukone, who has been open about her own struggles with depression, has consistently used her platform to normalize conversations around mental health. She has also been a vocal advocate for policies that support employees' well-being, particularly highlighting the need for work-life balance. In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar India, Padukone reiterated her stance on the importance of an eight-hour workday, a topic she has championed even in the face of potential professional repercussions. She emphasized that overworking should not be normalized and that prioritizing one's health is essential for optimal performance. Padukone also voiced her support for maternity and paternity policies and suggested normalizing bringing children to work.
Alia Bhatt publicly acknowledged Padukone's efforts by liking a social media post that celebrated Padukone's contributions to normalizing mental health conversations and advocating for better support for working mothers. The post highlighted Padukone's work with her foundation, which has spent years promoting mental health awareness, and her efforts to open doors globally without compromising her roots.
This isn't the first time Bhatt has voiced her support for Padukone's initiatives. Back in 2015, Bhatt lauded Padukone's "Live Love Laugh" foundation, an NGO dedicated to addressing mental health issues. Bhatt tweeted that the foundation was a "lovely initiative" and praised its welcoming and secure online presence.
Padukone's commitment to mental health extends beyond her public advocacy. She has been actively involved in creating a healthy work culture within the film industry, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing well-being and equal opportunities. She has also spoken about the need for empathy from leaders and managers in the workplace to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.
Padukone has also addressed the importance of social support and exercise in maintaining mental well-being. She emphasized engaging with family and friends as a crucial support system and highlighted the benefits of incorporating physical activity into one's daily routine.
The support from Alia Bhatt arrives at a time when Deepika Padukone's views on work-life balance have sparked considerable debate. Padukone's outspokenness, particularly her stance on the eight-hour workday, has reportedly led to professional challenges, including being excluded from certain projects. Despite these challenges, she remains steadfast in her commitment to promoting a healthier and more sustainable work culture.
The two actresses have been seen together on multiple occasions, be it playing pickleball or celebrating Halloween. They also appeared together on Koffee With Karan in 2018.
