Kangana Ranaut Backs Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Demand In Film Industry: She’s Earned It As Top Actress

Kangana Ranaut has publicly supported Deepika Padukone’s demand for an 8-hour work shift, a year after it stirred debate. During a recent ANI podcast, Kangana said Deepika has "earned" the right to set such limits. Kangana pointed to Deepika’s status as a leading star and a parent, and said the discussion around work hours should recognise changing priorities with age and experience.

The work-hours discussion began after Deepika reportedly asked to restrict her working day to eight hours following the birth of her daughter. That demand was linked to Deepika’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Prabhas-starrer Spirit and later from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Many in the film industry praised the request as sensible, while others called it unrealistic for large film sets.

Deepika Padukone 8-hour shift debate: Kangana Ranaut backs work-life balance

On the ANI podcast, Kangana addressed the larger conversation on how long actors should be on set. The National Award-winning actor said, "I don't think there should be an issue created out of this because if you see where she (Deepika Padukone) is coming from, she has earned that place. She has a daughter; she's a mother now and the top-most actress. If today she is keen to work for eight hours, she has earned it."

Kangana also spoke about how attitudes towards long schedules changed from earlier years. Kangana recalled working alongside Deepika during their early careers, when both accepted longer hours. Kangana said Deepika once mentioned a schedule, saying, "We have a 12-hour shift." Kangana replied, "I work for only 10 hours." Kangana added that, at that stage, both chased lengthy 12-14 hour shifts because they were ambitious and eager for success.

Deepika Padukone 8-hour shift debate in film industry projects and reactions

Kangana reflected on how actors’ positions in the industry shape such choices. Kangana said there was a phase when neither would agree to shorter shifts, as both felt replaceable and driven. Kangana explained that priorities differ once someone reaches Deepika’s level and has a family. Kangana said Deepika now has responsibilities at home, so insisting on an 8-hour day is understandable within the ongoing Deepika Padukone 8-hour shift debate.

Deepika’s decision to step away from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel had triggered wide discussion across the industry. After Deepika’s departure, the makers of Kalki said the film required a higher level of "commitment." Despite that, many celebrities stood with Deepika, including Kangana, who has now explained the context in more detail. The Deepika Padukone 8-hour shift debate has continued to highlight work-life expectations in large productions.

Even after leaving those projects, Deepika remains attached to major upcoming films. Deepika will next appear in Atlee’s Raaka with Allu Arjun, and also features in Shah Rukh Khan’s King. A snapshot of their upcoming work is given below.

Actor	Project	Type
Deepika Padukone	Raaka	Feature film
Deepika Padukone	King	Feature film
Kangana Ranaut	Emergency	Feature film
Kangana Ranaut	Blessed Be the Evil	International horror-drama

Kangana was last seen in Emergency, where Kangana played former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, and is now preparing for an international horror-drama titled Blessed Be the Evil. The recent Deepika Padukone 8-hour shift debate, and Kangana’s backing on the podcast, underline how leading actors in India are rethinking traditional scheduling practices while still signing large-scale projects.