The ongoing controversy over Deepika Padukone’s rumoured exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film ‘Spirit’, reportedly due to her alleged demands has ignited a major debate in the film industry.
Now, actors Ajay Devgn and Kajol have weighed in with their perspectives. At the trailer launch of Kajol's upcoming film ‘Maa’, Devgn was asked whether the eight-hour shift demand is being accepted by Hindi filmmakers. He responded, “It’s not that people have an issue with it.” He went on to add, “Most sincere filmmakers won’t have a problem with it. Plus, when it comes to working mothers and eight-hour shifts, many people have already started following eight to nine-hour workdays.”
According to reports, Deepika Padukone had requested to limit her working hours to no more than eight per day on ‘Spirit’, taking into account her new responsibilities as a mother — a condition that reportedly didn’t sit well with Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Kajol, who is also a mother, offered a witty response, saying, “I love the fact that you can work less.” While neither she nor Ajay mentioned any names, Ajay concluded by saying, “It varies from person to person, and I believe most of the industry understands that.”
The controversy began when reports surfaced claiming Deepika Padukone was dropped from ‘Spirit’ due to alleged unprofessional demands—such as refusing to work beyond eight hours a day and asking for additional payment if the shoot extended beyond 100 days. Following this, Sandeep Reddy Vanga announced Tripti Dimri as the film’s female lead, reportedly replacing Deepika.
