Filmmaker Mani Ratnam on Deepika Padukone's row: Working mothers deserve flexibility, not criticism

Deepika Padukone’s rumored departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s highly awaited pan-India film Spirit has ignited intense discussions online. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Deepika made several demands, which some have labeled “unprofessional,” including an eight-hour workday, a Rs 20 crore remuneration, profit-sharing rights, and reluctance to deliver dialogues in Telugu. These claims have sparked debate, with several industry figures coming forward to support the actor.

Veteran director Mani Ratnam has voiced his backing for the actor’s stance. Speaking to News18, Ratnam described her requests as reasonable. “I think it is a rightful demand,” he said. “I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it. I think as a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when you cast. It is not an unreasonable thing to ask, but an absolute necessity. You have to acknowledge that, understand it and work around it.” He further praised her assertiveness, adding, “I think it's nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It's a very healthy sign.”

These remarks come shortly after director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s pointed comments, perceived by many as a critique of Deepika. He reportedly labelled her demands as “unprofessional.” Industry sources revealed that Deepika wanted to limit her working hours to eight daily to spend more time with her daughter Dua. This insistence is said to have led to her being replaced by Triptii Dimri, with whom Vanga previously collaborated in Animal.

The debate touches on the challenge of balancing motherhood with demanding film schedules. Ratnam addressed this directly, saying, “It’s not that it’s not going down well with people. Most of the honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. And apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight-nine hour shifts.”

Saif Ali Khan, echoing this sentiment, expressed his own views on work-life balance: "I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That's not success. Success is being able to say, 'No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with them.'"

After the reports of Deepika’s exit, Spirit’s makers officially announced Triptii Dimri as the new female lead opposite Prabhas. This marks Dimri’s second project with Vanga after the success of Animal. Deepika, meanwhile, currently busy with Kalki 2898 AD, has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the situation.