'Honest Filmmakers will..': Did Ajay Devgn take a dig at Sandeep Reddy Vanga amid spat with Deepika Padukone?

At the trailer launch of Maa, Kajol and Ajay Devgn responded to questions about working conditions for actresses who return to sets after childbirth. The discussion came up after reports of some actors requesting limited, eight-hour workdays to balance personal responsibilities. Kajol said, “I love the fact that you can work less,” referring to the option available for new mothers.

Ajay Devgn added to the conversation, saying, “It’s not that it’s not going well. People understand. Honest filmmakers won’t have a problem with this. Apart from being a mother and working eight hours, most people are already working for eight to nine hours. It depends from person to person, and most of the industry understands that.” His response suggested that while there may be some exceptions, the industry is adjusting to accommodate such requests.

It’s not that it’s not going well. People understand. Honest filmmakers won’t have a problem with this. Apart from being a mother and working eight hours, most people are already working for eight to nine hours.

- Ajay Devgn

The question came at a time when conversations around working conditions and professionalism in the film industry are gaining attention, especially after the recent fallout between Deepika Padukone and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Deepika, who was earlier reported to be part of Vanga’s next film Spirit, exited the project citing scheduling issues. Vanga later alleged that she backed out without proper communication and breached a verbal understanding. The situation led to public commentary from both sides, though Deepika has not directly addressed Vanga’s statements.

The controversy picked up further traction when Tamannaah Bhatia was seen liking a video of Deepika talking about financial independence. Social media users speculated about her stance, prompting Bhatia to clarify that the like was accidental and that she did not intend to take sides. She said she didn’t want her actions to be interpreted as commentary on the issue.

Maa is Kajol’s upcoming film focusing on a mother-child relationship. The film is produced by Ajay Devgn. The timing of its release coincides with the ongoing Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga fallout.