Neha Dhupia speaks up for new moms, adds weight to Deepika Padukone’s 'eight-hour shift' request

Actor Neha Dhupia has voiced her support for Deepika Padukone’s recent demand for limited working hours on film sets, emphasizing the need for practical changes in how the industry accommodates new mothers. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram Stories, Dhupia stressed that discussions around work-life balance should translate into tangible support rather than remain mere lip service. “For work-life balance to mean something, new moms require real consideration and assistance,” she wrote. “Too often, they face judgment or exclusion.” She further added, “As a working mother, I stand by Deepika Padukone’s reasonable plea for fair and compassionate working hours.”

Neha Dhupia, a mother of two, has frequently spoken about juggling parenthood and career. Her statement arrives amid ongoing debates sparked by Deepika’s reported request for an eight-hour workday following the birth of her daughter Dua Singh Padukone. Deepika is believed to have stepped away from the film Spirit as a result.

The issue has attracted reactions from several industry figures. While actors like Ajay Devgn, Kajol, and Pankaj Tripathi have supported fixed working hours, some filmmakers have voiced concerns about logistical challenges. Director Tarun Mansukhani remarked that work-hour limits should be established before filming begins, rather than imposed mid-schedule.

On the other hand, director Ram Madhvani pointed out that clear upfront communication benefits everyone involved. “If someone states, ‘I can only commit to these hours,’ that’s only fair,” he explained in a previous interview. Neha’s comments contribute to the larger conversation about the necessity for policy reforms and greater awareness surrounding working mothers in the industry. Her perspective as both a parent and professional highlights the difficulties many women face in balancing their roles.

The controversy initially arose when Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit stirred widespread debate last month. Reports indicated she requested an eight-hour workday, profit sharing, and a Rs 20 crore fee—terms that reportedly did not sit well with the producers, leading to her replacement by Triptii Dimri. Vanga’s cryptic message on X, alluding to “dirty PR tactics” and leaks, intensified the situation. The episode sparked broader discussions on gender bias and working conditions, particularly concerning new mothers. Deepika’s team has yet to issue an official response.