Exclusive - Soha Ali Khan on Deepika Padukone's eight hour shift: 'She’s fully entitled to ask for whatever she wants'

Soha Ali Khan and Deepika Padukone

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan, who is a mother to an eight-year-old daughter, is fully supportive of fellow actress Deepika Padukone's eight-hour shift demand.

Deepika Padukone’s request for an eight-hour work shift triggered a debate far beyond its intent. For some, it was seen as a justified request from a working mother. For others, it raised questions about privilege and entitlement.

Soha, who is starting her own podcast, "All About Her," on YouTube soon, spoke exclusively with Moneycontrol and during the chat, we asked her opinion on working moms and new mom Deepika's decision to seek an eight-hour work shift.

Soha said she believes it is both a personal and complicated subject.

Deepika’s demand, according to reports, was simple: she wanted an eight-hour work day, explaining that as a new mother, 'it’s enough, which is for any mother to ask for.'But this quickly became a controversy and many have even spoken about it.

“I don't think you've balanced it. I think when you say an 8-hour shift, most women cannot ask for that because they understand that they would very easily be replaced. It's not so easy to replace Deepika. So, she is fully entitled, having worked very hard to reach her position, to ask for whatever she wants. And if people want to indulge her, they will. And if they don't want to indulge her, they won't," said Soha.

Soha pointed out that Deepika can make a demand because she has reached a place of influence with her sheer hard work.

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"But she has the confidence and she's worked hard and she wants to enjoy the present as a parent, which I totally empathize with, because that's what I did. And as I said, you have to know what it is that you can ask for. Not many people are fortunate enough to be able to do that," she added.

Soha said motherhood to her meant a deliberate shift in priorities. She recalled the time when she chose to slow down in order to spend time with her daughter Inaaya during her early years.

She says it wasn’t always easy, but it was something she knew she wanted.

“As a parent, there are phases where your child needs you more. For me, those first few years were very precious, and I wanted to be there for her. Work was still important, but I was clear that I wouldn’t regret missing those milestones," she added.

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At a broader level, Soha admits the debate cannot be stretched to all working women, who often do not have the security.

"So I think the idea is, can it be broadened out to all women at large? Absolutely not. Because women are highly replaceable in the workforce, especially when you're in your 40s, when you're peaking in your career, or in your 30s, when you're peaking in your career, that's when you become a parent. So when they're at the top of their game, then they have to choose between becoming or excelling in their careers. And it's very unfortunate that you have to choose," she said.

Also Read: Mistry actress Shikha Talsania supports Deepika Padukone's 8-hour shift request - 'I think it's absolutely fine, she’s a new mom'

Soha said, though, that she believes that while science is working to give women more options through fertility planning, the real change must come from work culture.

“The work culture needs to be supportive of that such that women don't have to make the choices that men don't have to make, you know. So I think we can all come together and do that," says the Rang De Basanti actress.

Soha says Deepika’s ask remains valid but also deeply personal.

"So having said that, as a parent, personally, I think it's a very personal choice to say eight hours; you know, it can't be legislation," she concludes.

Soha Ali Khan is going to be hosting her own podcast where she will be conversing with mental health experts, psychiatrists, and influential women. She will also be hosting her mother and veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, sister-in-law Kareena Kapoor, niece Sara Ali Khan, politician Smriti Irani and many more.