Veteran director Mani Ratnam has voiced his support for Deepika Padukone eight-hour workday demand defended by Mani Ratnam, a topic that has fueled conversations about work-life balance within the Indian film industry. During media appearances while promoting his new film Thug Life, Ratnam indicated that such requests—especially from new mothers—deserve industry recognition and respect.
Mani Ratnam told NDTV,
“It’s fair if she’s a young mother and needs to take care of her child, and she chooses something that will allow her to do so without any hindrance,”
—Mani Ratnam, Filmmaker. He further added,
“I think it’s nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It’s a very healthy sign.”
—Mani Ratnam, Filmmaker.
Mani Ratnam Argues for Industry Flexibility
When asked directly if the film industry should cater to such work-hour requests, Mani Ratnam was unequivocal in his response,
“If it doesn’t fit into your film, move on. But they should be respected for what they are asking. They are making a very fair demand, which is absolutely necessary, so we should acknowledge it and see how to live with it.”
—Mani Ratnam, Filmmaker.
Ratnam’s remarks surfaced as debates intensified around Deepika Padukone’s reported departure from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s project Spirit. According to industry sources, Deepika, who recently welcomed her daughter Dua, requested eight-hour shifts to be able to manage both her career and her new role as a mother. These reported demands quickly drew mixed reactions online, with discussion centering on whether the industry should adapt to such needs.
Backlash and Changing Cast in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit
The situation escalated after Sandeep Reddy Vanga seemingly responded with an indirect social media post calling someone “unprofessional,” widely believed to target Deepika Padukone. The controversy deepened as Triptii Dimri was cast as Deepika’s replacement. Vanga’s subsequent, widely circulated posts appeared to imply that a cast member had leaked critical story details about Spirit, the upcoming police drama that is said to have an A-rated action component.
Vanga wrote,
“Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”
—Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Director. He continued,
“You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.”
—Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Director. These pointed statements added further fuel to the ongoing social media clashes and public debate regarding professionalism and expectations for women in the industry.
Industry Voices Join the Conversation
The heated discourse led to responses from other notable figures in Bollywood. During the launch event for the film Maa, Ajay Devgn was asked about the eight-hour workday controversy involving Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. Devgn responded,
“Most of the honest filmmakers will not have a problem…”
—Ajay Devgn, Actor. This perspective aligns with the voices supporting a more accommodating and respectful approach for actors balancing family and career demands.
As the topic continues to ignite debate, the Deepika Padukone eight-hour workday demand defended by Mani Ratnam highlights ongoing shifts in the Indian film industry regarding equitable treatment and the need for sustainable work conditions, especially for women and new mothers. The fallout from Deepika’s exit from Spirit, the casting of Triptii Dimri, and ongoing commentaries from filmmakers and actors ensure the conversation will continue, possibly influencing future practices and expectations on film sets across Bollywood.
