In a rare moment of industry solidarity, Kangana Ranaut has come out in strong support of Deepika Padukone’s recent demand for an eight-hour work shift. The conversation around labor hours in Bollywood has gained significant traction lately, and Ranaut’s backing adds a powerful voice to the call for a better work-life balance in the high-pressure world of entertainment.
Speaking in a recent podcast, Ranaut emphasized that Padukone, as one of India’s top-most actresses, has “earned the right” to dictate her working conditions. She highlighted that Padukone’s new role as a mother to a young daughter makes the demand for shorter hours not just a professional preference, but a personal necessity. “I don’t think there should be an issue created out of this… she has earned that place,” Ranaut stated, acknowledging that veteran stars should have the agency to set boundaries.
Ranaut also took a nostalgic turn, reflecting on their past conversations regarding the industry’s grueling schedules. She recalled an interaction during a project with director Imtiaz Ali where Padukone mentioned working 12-hour shifts. In contrast, Ranaut noted that she had already begun limiting her own shifts to 10 hours at the time. “There was a time when we wouldn’t settle for anything less than 12-14 hours because we were ferocious,” Ranaut added, illustrating how the perspective of even the most competitive actors shifts as they evolve in their careers.
This public display of support marks a shift from the often-competitive narrative surrounding the two stars, highlighting a shared commitment to improving working standards for women and parents in the film industry.