This past week in Indian entertainment news has revolved around Deepika Padukone. On Saturday, June 7, 2025, it was officially confirmed that the actor will star in a new science fiction film led by Telugu star Allu Arjun and directed by Atlee. While the announcement excited fans, it arrived against the backdrop of ongoing controversy surrounding her exit from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

Speculation has swirled for days online: Did Deepika voluntarily step away from Spirit, or was she removed? Were her reported demands for a profit share and limited work hours justified? Is she still on board for Kalki 2? These questions remain unanswered as Deepika, currently on maternity leave after welcoming her daughter Dua last year, has not responded publicly.

How the Controversy Began

Initially expected to star opposite Prabhas in Spirit, reports last month suggested that Deepika’s talks with the production team broke down. Allegedly, she sought an eight-hour workday to accommodate her responsibilities as a new mother, along with a fee of ₹20–25 crore and additional payment for extended shooting schedules. These conditions reportedly led to creative disagreements with the director, and actor Triptii Dimri—who previously worked with Vanga in Animal—was brought on board.

Vanga later took to social media to indirectly accuse Deepika of damaging the project, claiming that certain actors had leaked plot details and sabotaged younger talents, calling the situation an example of “dirty PR”.

The Debate Over Work Hours

The conversation around Deepika's reported demand for regulated hours has touched a nerve in Bollywood, where 12 to 16-hour shooting days are the norm. Legally, India's labour laws cap weekly working hours at 48, but these limits rarely apply to the film industry. Long hours are especially challenging for junior staff, daily-wage workers, and increasingly, even stars.

Earlier this year, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting exploitative industry practices. The letter pointed out that many technicians and artists work up to 20 hours a day without proper rest or holidays. Actor Pankaj Tripathi echoed similar concerns in an interview, saying he regularly works 16 to 18-hour shifts.

Actor Radhika Apte, who recently became a mother, also said in an interview that balancing the long working hours of the Indian film industry with parenting is extremely difficult.

Industry Voices Speak Up

Deepika’s alleged push for more humane working hours has sparked broader discussions in the industry. At a recent event, actor Kajol expressed support for the idea, saying, “I would love to work fewer hours.” Her husband, actor Ajay Devgn, agreed and stated that many filmmakers are now open to 8–9 hour shifts, especially for working mothers.

Filmmaker Siddharth P. Malhotra weighed in as well, recalling that actors like Rani Mukerji and Kajol have long worked limited-hour shifts. He pointed to his film Hichki, which was wrapped in 28 days with 8-hour schedules, proving that coordination and discipline make such shoots possible.

Actress Genelia Deshmukh, gearing up for Sitaare Zameen Par, acknowledged the challenges working mothers face but said a 10-hour shift is manageable. Actor Banita Sandhu, who has worked in both Hollywood and Bollywood, underlined the importance of structured hours and industry regulations. She recalled enduring 16–18-hour days earlier in her career and advocated for stronger protections and union support similar to what’s in place in Western industries.

Veteran actor Renuka Shahane offered a more nuanced take, saying it ultimately depends on personal choice. She added that not only female but also male actors are increasingly looking to reduce work hours to spend more time with their families.

Deepika’s Upcoming Projects

Despite the ongoing chatter, Deepika remains a sought-after star for big-budget cinema. Following rumours that she may have been removed from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD due to work hour disagreements, a source close to the production told NDTV that these claims were unfounded. “There have been no shoots or meetings, so the question of a fallout doesn’t arise,” the source clarified.

Meanwhile, Deepika has officially joined Atlee’s upcoming sci-fi epic, referred to as AA22xA6, marking her second collaboration with the director after Jawan (2023). She is also expected to return in sequels to Pathaan and Brahmastra.

As conversations around sustainable working conditions and gender-sensitive policies gain momentum, Deepika Padukone’s situation may serve as a catalyst for deeper reflection and potential reform in the Indian film industry.