MUMBAI: Deepika Padukone has addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding her withdrawal from two major projects, Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, making it clear that her decisions were rooted in her commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance after becoming a mother.
In a candid conversation with Harper’s Bazaar, the actress explained why she believes the industry has normalised overworking and why she refuses to fall into the trap again.
Deepika and husband Ranveer Singh welcomed their daughter Dua in September 2024.
Since then, the couple has embraced parenthood with immense joy, but also with the intention of setting clear boundaries regarding time, energy, and family priorities.
With fans and industry members speculating about her return to film sets, Deepika has consistently emphasised that she will only take up work that aligns with her principles and her health.
Reflecting on how motherhood transformed her perspective, Deepika said, “Every cliché is true. When mothers say, ‘You’ll understand when you become one,’ it’s true.
I have so much more respect for my mother now. You can plan how you think you’ll navigate work and motherhood, but the reality is very different.
I feel strongly about how new mothers need to be supported when they return to work. That’s something I want to focus on.”
She also expressed her surprise at the double standards she faced in the industry. She noted that male actors have long negotiated fixed working hours, and those boundaries were respected without question.
However, when she, one of the top actresses in the country, requested the same structure after becoming a mother, the reaction was shockingly different.
She felt this disparity highlighted how far the industry still needs to go in understanding the needs of women, especially new mothers.
Deepika further stressed the unhealthy glorification of nonstop work. “We’ve normalised overworking.
We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind.
Only when you’re healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one,” she said, making her stance clear.
She also revealed that her own office operates with this philosophy. Her team follows an eight-hour workday, five-day workweek structure, ensuring weekends are free for rest and personal time.
Additionally, she has implemented strong maternity and paternity leave policies and even encourages a child-friendly workspace environment.
For her, a sustainable ecosystem is one where employees do not sacrifice their well-being to prove productivity.
Despite stepping back from two major films, Deepika isn’t slowing down professionally. She recently confirmed she will be starring alongside Shah Rukh Khan once again in King, a project that has already generated massive buzz due to their iconic screen chemistry.
Fans are eager to see her back on screen, but Deepika maintains that her health, her daughter, and her boundaries will continue to shape how she approaches her career moving forward.
Her reflections come as a timely reminder of how important it is for industries, especially high-pressure ones like entertainment, to reconsider the culture of burnout and to offer more empathetic, flexible structures for working parents.
Deepika Padukone’s voice adds momentum to a conversation that many believe is long overdue.
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