Amidst the recent controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit," actor-producer Ajay Devgn has voiced his support for an eight-hour workday for new mothers in the film industry. This statement comes at a time when the debate around work-life balance for working mothers, particularly in the demanding world of Bollywood, is gaining traction.
The controversy surrounding "Spirit" erupted when reports surfaced that Deepika Padukone had stepped down from the project, allegedly due to disagreements over working hours, remuneration, and creative differences. Some reports indicated that Padukone, a new mother to daughter Dua Padukone Singh, had requested an eight-hour workday to balance her professional commitments and parental responsibilities. This request reportedly did not sit well with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who allegedly termed it "unprofessional." Other reports suggest that disagreements over Telugu dialogues and the inclusion of bold scenes also contributed to her departure. Triptii Dimri has since been cast as the female lead opposite Prabhas.
Vanga also posted a cryptic message on X, seemingly directed at Padukone, accusing her of disclosing information and undermining a younger actor. This further fueled the controversy, with many fans and industry insiders weighing in on the matter. Padukone herself has alluded to the situation, stating that she stands by her decisions and listens to her inner voice when faced with difficult situations.
At the trailer launch event for his upcoming supernatural thriller "Maa," Ajay Devgn, along with his wife Kajol, addressed the topic of working mothers and the demand for reasonable working hours. Kajol expressed her support, while Devgn offered a more nuanced perspective. Acknowledging that the industry is becoming more understanding, he stated that "most of the honest filmmakers" would not have a problem with an eight-hour shift for new mothers. He further added that, ideally, mothers should be able to work for eight to nine hours. Devgn, who is also a director and producer, suggested that while it varies from person to person, the industry largely understands the needs of working mothers today.
Devgn's statement is significant because it comes from a respected figure in the industry who holds considerable influence. His support for reasonable working hours for new mothers could potentially encourage other filmmakers and producers to adopt more flexible and accommodating policies. This could lead to a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in Bollywood, allowing them to balance their careers and family responsibilities more effectively.
The debate surrounding Deepika Padukone's exit from "Spirit" and Ajay Devgn's subsequent comments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by working mothers in the film industry. While progress has been made in recent years, there is still a need for greater understanding and flexibility to ensure that women are not forced to choose between their careers and their families. The conversation sparked by this incident is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable and sustainable environment for women in Bollywood.
