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Mani Ratnam Backs Deepika Padukone Amidst `Spirit` Exit and 8-Hour Shift Debate
Updated on: 03 June, 2025 12:32 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Deepika Padukone and Mani Ratnam
The Indian film industry is abuzz with discussions surrounding work-life balance, ignited by reports of Deepika Padukone`s departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga`s upcoming film, `Spirit`. The alleged reason? Her request for an eight-hour workday. Now, acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam has publicly supported Padukone, adding significant weight to the conversation about sustainable working conditions in cinema.
The veteran director also emphasised the needs of working mothers. "It`s fair if she`s a young mother and needs to take care of her child, and she chooses something that will allow her to do so without any hindrance," Ratnam remarked. He lauded Padukone`s assertiveness, adding, "I think it`s nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It`s a very healthy sign." He pragmatically suggested that if such conditions don`t fit a film, "move on. But they should be respected for what they are asking."
Also Read: Radhika Apte Says Film Industry is Not Conducive to New Mothers
Following these developments, Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to X, posting a cryptic message about a leaked script and "dirty PR games". He wrote, "When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you`ve `DISCLOSED` the person that you are.... Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?"
However, support for Padukone`s stance has come from other industry quarters too. Actor Ajay Devgn commented, “It`s not that it`s not going down well with people. Most of the honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. And apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight-nine hours shifts.” Echoing similar sentiments, Saif Ali Khan recently highlighted the importance of family time, stating, "I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That`s not success."
Mani Ratnam`s influential voice, coupled with backing from other senior actors, signals a potential shift towards acknowledging the need for structured schedules and better work-life integration within the demanding world of filmmaking. The debate sparked by Padukone`s reported stand is pushing for a reevaluation of industry norms, particularly for parents.
Mani Ratnam Champions "Rightful Demand"
In a recent interview ahead of his new film `Thug Life`, Mani Ratnam didn`t mince words when addressing the controversy. "I think it is a rightful demand. I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it," he stated. Ratnam further elaborated, "It is not an unreasonable thing to ask but an absolute necessity. I think that should be the priority. You have to acknowledge that, understand it and work around it.”The veteran director also emphasised the needs of working mothers. "It`s fair if she`s a young mother and needs to take care of her child, and she chooses something that will allow her to do so without any hindrance," Ratnam remarked. He lauded Padukone`s assertiveness, adding, "I think it`s nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It`s a very healthy sign." He pragmatically suggested that if such conditions don`t fit a film, "move on. But they should be respected for what they are asking."
Also Read: Radhika Apte Says Film Industry is Not Conducive to New Mothers
The `Spirit` Saga and Wider Industry Support
The controversy began with reports that Padukone exited `Spirit` after her request for an eight-hour shift was purportedly not met. While Padukone herself has remained silent on the matter, Triptii Dimri, who previously worked with Vanga on `Animal`, was officially announced as the new female lead opposite Prabhas.Following these developments, Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to X, posting a cryptic message about a leaked script and "dirty PR games". He wrote, "When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you`ve `DISCLOSED` the person that you are.... Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?"
However, support for Padukone`s stance has come from other industry quarters too. Actor Ajay Devgn commented, “It`s not that it`s not going down well with people. Most of the honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. And apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight-nine hours shifts.” Echoing similar sentiments, Saif Ali Khan recently highlighted the importance of family time, stating, "I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That`s not success."
Mani Ratnam`s influential voice, coupled with backing from other senior actors, signals a potential shift towards acknowledging the need for structured schedules and better work-life integration within the demanding world of filmmaking. The debate sparked by Padukone`s reported stand is pushing for a reevaluation of industry norms, particularly for parents.
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