Sandeep Reddy Vanga Isolated? Bollywood Rallies Behind Work-Life Balance, Support Grows for Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Stand

Actors endure grueling schedules on film sets, often working long hours under intense lights and heavy equipment, battling hunger, fatigue, and mental strain. Deepika Padukone, who was in talks with filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga for a role opposite Prabhas in his upcoming action film Spirit, is now reportedly no longer attached to the project.

According to Telugu media reports, she was “dropped” after leaving Vanga fuming “over a series of demands.” Among them was her recent request for an eight-hour work shift—aimed at safeguarding her well-being and spending time with her newborn daughter, Dua Padukone Singh. Her decision has since garnered support and sparked broader industry conversations around fair working hours.

The Bollywood Work Culture Debate

On May 29, 2025, Bollywood Talkies shared a video on X from the “Maa” trailer launch event. At that event, Kajol praised the idea of new mothers working shorter shifts and joked about loving the idea of fewer hours. 

Both #AjayDevgn and #Kajol have come out in support of #DeepikaPadukone, showing thoughtful consideration for her alleged demand of an 8-hour work shift!

Vc: Bollywood Chronicle#SandeepReddyVanga #Spirit pic.twitter.com/DM8du1aGdu

— Bollywood Talkies (@bolly_talkies) May 29, 2025

Furthermore, Ajay Devgn offered a serious view, noting that honest filmmakers would not object to eight-hour days. He added that many people already work eight-hour days, and each person’s needs differ. 

Although they did not name Deepika Padukone, their words clearly tied back to her reported demand. As a result, this public backing highlighted the growing industry’s respect for work-life balance.

The Alleged 8-Hour Work Shift Controversy

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga posted a fiery message on X without naming anyone directly. Many viewers felt he targeted Deepika Padukone after she left his film Spirit. 

He wrote that actors break trust and “disclose” their true selves when they push their terms. Then, he accused an actor of betraying hard work and called out misplaced feminism. 

Reddy ended with a Hindi proverb saying, “I like this kahawath very much: Khundak mein billi khamba noche.” Fans quickly linked these lines to Deepika and her exit from the film.

What Are Netizens Saying?

Social media users remain divided over Deepika Padukone’s stand. Many applaud her for choosing health and family over grueling shoots. One fan wrote, “I think if you can say no to unethical demands, you should, so she did amazing.” 

Others, however, accuse her of playing the “girls’ card” to avoid hard work. A vocal group argues that director Sandeep Reddy Vanga is simply soft-targeting a working mother. As one commenter predicted, “The whole fiasco and nitty-gritty details will soon be forgotten, and the issue will shift to Vanga having a problem with a working mother. Media houses are already framing it openly.” 

Meanwhile, several users praised Ajay Devgn’s supportive response, with one remarking, “Love the way Ajay Devgn explained it as a man.” This lively debate reveals how fans perceive both the need for fairness for working mothers and skepticism about industry pressures.

The debate over eight-hour work shifts shows a shifting Bollywood work culture. Deepika Padukone’s stand sparked vital talks on fair demand. With Ajay Devgn and Kajol showing their support, more people now call for balanced shooting schedules. What are your views? Comment down below.