Unbelievable! Mental Health Matters, Deepika Padukone Takes on L&T Chairman Over 7 Day Work Routine

Bollywood actress and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has publicly criticized SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), for his recent remarks advocating a 90-hour workweek and encouraging employees to work on Sundays. In a video circulating on social media, Subrahmanyan expressed regret over not being able to make employees work on Sundays, stating, "I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays... because I work on Sundays." He further questioned, "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working".

Deepika Padukone Criticizes L&T Chairman's 90-Hour Workweek Proposal

Padukone responded by sharing a post from journalist Faye D'Souza on her Instagram story, adding, "Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters." 

Subrahmanyan's comments have sparked widespread criticism, with many highlighting the potential negative impact on employees' mental health and work-life balance. RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka also weighed in, humorously suggesting on social media, "Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept!" He emphasized the importance of work-life balance, stating, "Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success." 

Subrahmanyan's comments have sparked widespread criticism

In response to the backlash, L&T issued a statement clarifying Subrahmanyan's remarks. The company stated, "The Chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasizing that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort. At L&T, we remain committed to fostering a culture where passion, purpose, and performance drive us forward." 

This incident has reignited discussions about workplace culture in India, particularly concerning the balance between professional demands and personal well-being. Advocates stress the importance of mental health and caution against practices that could lead to employee burnout. Padukone, who has been vocal about mental health issues, continues to use her platform to raise awareness and promote healthier work environments.