Mani Ratnam Slams Industry Double Standards After Deepika Padukone Work-Hours Controversy

Deepika Padukone controversy – Renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam has voiced support for actress Deepika Padukone amid ongoing discussions around work-life balance in the Indian film industry. Speaking to NDTV during promotions for his upcoming film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, Ratnam defended Padukone’s reported request for an eight-hour work shift—a move that has sparked debate in Bollywood circles.

“It’s fair if she’s a young mother….” – Mani Ratnam

“It’s fair if she’s a young mother and needs to take care of her child,” Ratnam said, referring to Deepika’s daughter, Dua. “And she chooses something that will allow her to do so without any hindrance. I think it’s nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It’s a very healthy sign.”

Ratnam’s comments follow a wave of criticism aimed at Padukone, particularly from Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who recently described an unnamed actress—widely believed to be Padukone—as “unprofessional.”

Insiders revealed that Padukone had originally been cast in Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, but requested an eight-hour workday to ensure she could balance shooting with time for her young daughter. Reportedly unwilling to accommodate this, Vanga chose to replace her with actress Triptii Dimri, with whom he previously worked on Animal.

The incident has reignited conversations around the treatment of women, especially mothers, in the entertainment industry, where long, grueling shooting hours remain the norm

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