Ajay Devgn backs 8 hours work for new moms amid Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga fallout: 'Honest filmmakers wouldn't...'

Kajol and Ajay Devgn attended the trailer launch of their upcoming mythological horror film, Maa. During the event, they were asked about their thoughts on new mothers demanding an 8-hour work shift in the film industry. The question was asked in the context of Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's fallout after the actress was dropped from Spirit, and one of the many reasons behind it was her demand for a 6-hour work shift, which the filmmaker thought was not okay. 

Ajay Devgn and Kajol support new mom's 8-hour work shift demand

During the Maa trailer launch event, Kajol and Ajay Devgn were asked about new moms in the film industry and their demand for an 8-hour shift. To which, Kajol said, "I love the fact that we can work less."

On the other hand, Ajay said, "It's not that it is not going down well with people. A lot of people understand. Most of the honest filmmakers would not have a problem with it. Also, other than new moms working for 8 hours, most people have started working for 8 hours. I think it's person-to-person, and most of the industry understands."

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What's the feud between Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Deepika Padukone was dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's much-anticipated film Spirit, and Triptii Dimri was officially announced as the leading lady of the film.

One of the main reasons behind it was Deepika's demands to work for a 6-hour shift as she is a new mother, and this did not sit well with Vanga. 

The filmmaker wrote on X, "When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA(Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you've 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are...Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn't get it. You won't get it. You will never get it."

About Maa

Speaking about Kajol's Maa, the mythological horror film is coming from the world of Ajay Devgn's Shaitaan. The trailer shows Kajol becoming a protector and going to an extent to save her daughter from the evil forces. 

The film is produced by Ajay Devgn, Jyoti Deshpande, and Kumar Mangat Pathak, and is presented by Jio Studios in association with Devgn Films. It also stars Indranil Sengupta, Ronit Roy, and Jitin Gulati in key roles. Maa will hit theaters on June 27, 2025.