The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone's departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit" continues to spark debate within the Bollywood industry, with actress Kritika Kamra being the latest celebrity to voice her support for Padukone. This comes after similar support from veteran actress Kajol and other industry figures like Ajay Devgn, Mani Ratnam, Neha Dhupia and Surveen Chawla.

The controversy began when reports surfaced that Padukone's "demands" – including an eight-hour workday, a substantial fee (rumored to be ₹20-40 crore), a share in the film's profits, and a refusal to speak Telugu lines – led to her exit from the project. Vanga then appeared to take a veiled jab at Padukone on social media, accusing an unnamed actor of "dirty PR games" and "putting down a younger actor" after Triptii Dimri replaced her in the film. He also alluded to the leaking of the film's script, further fueling the controversy.

Many social media users criticized Padukone, accusing her of being unprofessional. However, others defended her right to ask for fair working conditions and remuneration, highlighting the gender bias that often exists within the film industry.

Kritika Kamra has now weighed in on the matter, calling Padukone's demand for an eight-hour workday "reasonable." She pointed out the "privilege" enjoyed by many male stars who, according to Kamra, often don't even work for eight hours a day. Kamra also revealed that while the television industry has rules regarding working hours, they are rarely followed. "How can you shoot 5 episodes if your leads are not working 12 hours a day," she stated, adding that she has also worked endless hours without a break and calling the system exploitative. Furthermore, Kamra suggested that a male actor making the same demands would not have faced the same level of criticism.

Padukone herself has indirectly addressed the controversy, stating that she relies on her "inner voice" when faced with tough decisions. In an interview with Vogue Arabia, she emphasized the importance of being "truthful and authentic," especially in complicated situations.

Mani Ratnam has also publicly supported Padukone, calling her request for an eight-hour workday a "rightful demand". He added that filmmakers should consider such requests when casting and that it is not unreasonable, but an absolute necessity.

The "Spirit" fiasco has opened up a larger conversation about working conditions, gender equality, and power dynamics in Bollywood. Padukone's stance has resonated with many who believe that it's time for the industry to standardize humane working hours and respect work-life balance. Kritika Kamra’s recent statement adds further momentum to this discussion, challenging the existing norms and advocating for fair treatment for all actors, regardless of gender. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this controversy will lead to lasting change within the industry.