Deepika Padukone breaks silence on 8-hour workday demand; says, ‘We mistake burnout for commitment’

Deepika Padukone has finally addressed the conversation surrounding her decision to insist on an 8-hour workday after embracing motherhood, a move that reportedly led to her stepping away from major upcoming films such as Kalki 2 and Spirit.

The actress, who welcomed her first child Dua this year, is now opening up about the pressures new mothers face and why healthier working norms should no longer be viewed as unreasonable.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Deepika spoke about how motherhood has reshaped her priorities and deepened her understanding of the need for support systems. “Every cliché is true. 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. I feel strongly about how new mothers need to be supported when they return to work. That’s something I want to focus on,” she said.

Her comments arrive after weeks of speculation suggesting that producers were unable to accommodate her 8-hour shift policy, prompting her exit from high-profile projects. Deepika, however, is clear that her stance stems from a larger concern about toxic work culture.