Deepika Padukone highlights burnout concerns after Spirit, Kalki 2 exit: 'We’ve normalized overworking'

Deepika Padukone recently spoke about the changing culture of workplaces in the industry and highlighted support for new mothers in the workplace.

Deepika Padukone in a still from Kalki 2898 AD

Deepika Padukone has been in the headlines for the past few months after her reported exit from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD. Following this, many actors opened up about the 8-hour work shift. Now, in a new interview, Deepika discussed the same topic and hoped for good support for new mothers in the workplace.

Deepika Padukone on 8-hour work shift

In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar India, Deepika Padukone discussed why an eight-hour work shift is ideal for actors. She said, "We’ve normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you’re healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one. In my own office, we work eight hours a day, Monday to Friday. We have maternity and paternity policies. We should normalise bringing children to work."

When asked if motherhood had changed her in any way, Deepika agreed and said that every cliché is true. She added, "When mothers say, ‘You’ll understand when you become one,’ it’s true. I have so much more respect for my mother now. You can plan how you think you’ll navigate work and motherhood, but the reality is very different."

Deepika said that she feels strongly about how new mothers need to be supported when they return to work.

Deepika Padukone's work front

Deepika will be seen in Atlee’s AA22 x A6, also starring Allu Arjun in the lead. Apart from this, she also has Shah Rukh Khan’s King in the pipeline. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film also stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Rani Mukerjee, Anil Kapoor, and more in key roles. It is expected to be released in 2026.

Also Read: Spirit: Deepika Padukone out, Tripti Dimri in, major casting change in Prabhas-Sandeep Vanga’s film

FAQs:

Q: Why was Deepika removed from Kalki?

A: Deepika Padukone has reportedly been dropped from Kalki's sequel, due to script changes that saw her role become a cameo and disagreements over demands, including a potential pay hike and fixed working hours.

Q: When is Shah Rukh Khan resuming the shoot for King?

A: Shah Rukh Khan is scheduled to jump back into the shoot for his film, King, at Yash Raj Studios in Andheri on November 5, just days after celebrating his 60th birthday.

Q: Who stars in the film King?

A: The film King stars superstar Shah Rukh Khan alongside his daughter Suhana Khan and Abhishek Bachchan. It marks the first on-screen collaboration between Shah Rukh and Suhana.

Q: Who is the director of the film King?

A: The film King is directed by Siddharth Anand, who is reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan after their blockbuster success with the film Pathaan (2023).

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