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Indian Express
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
‘6 months is barely anything': As Deepika Padukone allegedly seeks shorter hours post-motherhood, Indian working mothers weigh in
'You ask any mother, six months is barely anything. You barely get to feel human in those months,' said Snigdha Ghosh Roy, 41, who had two children 16 months apart. Her experience echoes the harsh reality many Indian working women face today. When reports emerged that Deepika Padukone had allegedly exited two major film projects — Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and potentially Kalki 2 — due to her request for shorter working hours post-motherhood, it sparked a conversation that went far beyond Bollywood and its demanding work culture. The controversy deepened when Vanga made a cryptic but pointed social media post accusing an actor of ousting the story of his upcoming film and 'putting a younger actor down'. While Padukone has not responded, and details of her film exit remain unclear, many were quick to point out a troubling attitude towards working mothers who dare to request flexibility. It is no secret that in India, there is a broader societal resistance to accommodating new mothers' needs – a resistance that extends far beyond the entertainment industry into corporate India, where millions of women silently struggle to balance professional commitments with the demands of early motherhood. At the trailer launch of her upcoming film Maa, actor Kajol responded to a journalist's question about working mothers, saying, 'I love the fact that you can work less and…' before being interrupted by husband Ajay Devgn. 'Most of the industry, I would say, will not have a problem with this,' he said. 'Nowadays, people do understand.' Actor Neha Dhupia, sharing her view on Instagram, wrote: 'For work-life balance to go beyond conversations, new moms need practical support and consideration. Instead, we often get shamed or sidelined.' Housefull 5 director Tarun Mansukhani, while attempting to express support, sparked fresh controversy after comparing babies to dogs. 'I want to go home and spend time with my dog. So I get the vibe and totally get the feeling. But just put it in the contract from the beginning, then everyone's prepared,' he told India Today. Many found the analogy tone-deaf and poorly worded. For most Indian working mothers, the mandated six-month maternity leave feels like a cruel joke. Roy said, 'In the case of my older child, the company was understanding – my work from home (WFH) policy was extended even after the entire office was back to working from office, post COVID-19 pandemic, but in case of my second child, I was told to opt for unpaid leaves. I couldn't afford it.' For Hirra Syed Anwar, 31, pregnant with her second child, job hunting has been difficult. 'Many employers seem wary of maternity leave, especially after the Supreme Court's recent ruling making it a fundamental right,' she said, adding that fellow working women have advised against applying now, warning, 'No employer will hire you this close to delivery.' Deep Priya, 32, recalls the silence after she requested to continue working from home. 'The HR got back to me only after a few follow-ups. I felt discouraged from asking again.' Geeta Dhawan, 32, fortunately, had a positive experience. 'The small startup of around 25 people I work with offered me a lot of flexibility. I was allowed to work from home and visit the office for only four-five hours on select days. This made my transition back smoother. My reporting manager, a mother herself, was extremely supportive and empathetic.' Dr Shifa Yadav, mother and dermatologist, said, 'When I got back from maternity leave, I noticed that my roles and responsibilities had changed in a quiet way. Even though the job title stayed the same on paper, important projects and chances for growth were often missed.' Many Indian women experience this kind of quiet sidelining, she says, where being a mother is unfairly linked to being less capable, and career growth stops without open conversations or supportive leadership. Breastfeeding is one of the most physically taxing parts of early motherhood, and workplaces rarely make room for it. The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, yet many Indian mothers are forced to wean earlier due to workplace constraints. Roy, who had to return to work while breastfeeding, said, 'The office didn't have a pumping room. They suggested I use the washroom; obviously, I refused.' She ended up weaning her baby at five months. 'It was physically and emotionally painful.' Priya said her baby, exclusively breastfed, struggles to switch to formula. 'Feeding him between meetings is hard. I need full concentration at work, but sometimes he's fussy or sick, and I'm torn.' The medical community supports longer recovery periods. Dr Nidhi Rajotia, senior consultant, obstetrics and gynaecology at Artemis Hospitals, recommended 'at least three months post normal delivery or caesarean, which may be extended to six to eight months as per individual requirements and recovery.' She emphasised that for high-stress jobs, the recovery period should be even longer to support both physical and mental health. Dr Rajotia also warned about the health consequences of not having enough time or space to breastfeed or pump. She said it 'can make a mother uncomfortable, stressed, and have less milk, which can affect her physical recovery and emotional health. It can also raise the chance of getting infections like mastitis.' Yet workplace realities often don't align with medical recommendations. Sonica Aron, founder and CEO of Marching Sheep, explained the organisational perspective: 'While childbirth and postnatal care are every woman's right, organisations also work within tight budgets and demanding targets. When a woman returns from maternity leave – usually six months – she often needs time to settle back in.' The psychological impact of inadequate workplace support for new mothers is profound and long-lasting. Meghna Kanwat, clinical psychologist at Lissun, said, 'Returning to work after childbirth presents mothers with a complex blend of emotional, psychological, and cultural challenges, including guilt, anxiety, and a deep sense of overwhelm. These struggles often stem from attachment concerns, societal ideals that glorify both perfect parenting and unwavering professional dedication, and the internal conflict of balancing both roles.' Kanwat also noted, 'In India, these pressures are intensified by cultural expectations of self-sacrificing motherhood, criticism from older family members, and limited support systems in nuclear families.' Juslin Jacob, psychologist at Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust, captured the emotional complexity, stating that returning to work after childbirth isn't just clocking back in, it's walking a tightrope strung between two worlds. 'Mothers carry the emotional weight of guilt, the ache of separation, and the anxiety of meeting expectations both at home and in the workplace,' she said. The lack of workplace flexibility compounds these mental health challenges. 'Being perceived as less focused on work or available can dent a mother's professional identity and self-confidence. In the long-term, they may question their own capability, despite clear past achievements, social withdrawal at work, and even depressive symptoms associated with feeling misunderstood or left out,' said Rima Bhandekar, psychologist at Mpower. HR professionals acknowledged the complexity of supporting new mothers while maintaining business operations. Kamakshi Pant, chief business officer, Taggd, identified key challenges: 'Biases continue to persist from both managers and peers, which often result in lesser opportunities being offered to new mothers. This at times is true even for the most stellar performers. Some companies have devised special programs to coach managers of new mothers to overcome such biases, but in most cases, this is an ignored area.' She also pointed to structural issues, 'Job roles are not often designed to allow flexibility, and in situations like these it becomes unviable to provide a fair working opportunity to the new mothers.' The lack of childcare support is another major barrier: 'Without access to trustworthy childcare facilities or company-supported creches, new mothers struggle to manage work commitments, especially when hybrid models require occasional office presence,' she said. However, progressive companies are developing comprehensive support systems. Pant described evolving programmes: 'Return-to-work programmes post-maternity leave in India are increasingly structured to support new mothers through various initiatives. While not universally implemented, many companies are recognizing the need for formal programs to ease the transition.' Experts across fields agreed that meaningful change requires both policy reform and cultural shifts. Aron emphasised the importance of communication, saying 'Managers need to talk to their team members; ask them about their aspirations and how they want to shape their careers, rather than making assumptions based on age, gender, or life stage.' From a mental health perspective, Kanwat outlined organisational best practices: 'Supportive measures like flexible return-to-work plans, paid parental leave, and childcare support can greatly ease a mother's transition back into the workforce.' She also emphasised the importance of cultural change: 'Building a culture that values care, recognises parenting as a shared responsibility, and embraces flexibility over rigid productivity models can profoundly improve both maternal well-being and long-term employee engagement.' Dr Rajotia recommended practical workplace accommodations – regular breaks at work that can help mothers get better physically and feel less tired. Flexible hours allow women to manage their postpartum needs, including breastfeeding and rest. 'Giving women a private, comfortable place to pump encourages milk production and comfort. Getting emotional support from colleagues and bosses can also help your mental health,' she said. Swarupa is a Senior Sub Editor for the lifestyle desk at The Indian Express. With a passion for storytelling, she delves into the realms of art & culture, fitness, health, nutrition, psychology, and relationships, empowering her readers with valuable insights. ... Read More
India Today
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Amitabh Bachchan's folded-hands reply to X user's jibe at his age and longevity
Actor Amitabh Bachchan on Tuesday responded to a social media user commenting on his age and sleep schedule. When Big B shared how 'gadgets break.. longevity lasts !!!', an X user commented in Hindi, "Try to sleep on time, or even a long life won't last (sic)." This irked the megastar, who responded with folded hands, and wrote, "Thank you for talking about my death. God's kindness (folded hands emoji)."advertisementBachchan's initial post mentioning longevity was made at around 12:33 am. He later made more posts, sharing life mantras about the best way to live your life. The 82-year-old is an active social media user. He, in fact, likes to stay organised on X, by putting a number on his posts. The same goes for his posts on his blog. Meanwhile, Bachchan is looking forward to amaze his fans once again with his performance as Ashwatthama in Nag Ashiwn's 'Kalki 2'. The Prabhas starrer is getting ready for its second part, and Bachchan plays an iconic role, which especially impressed the audience last megastar of Bollywood is also getting ready to host the next season of his qui-based game show - 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. - suggest a headline, Watch IN THIS STORY#Amitabh Bachchan
The Hindu
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Deepika Padukone, eight-hour shifts in Bollywood, and speculation media — a guide
In India, in the entertainment sphere, this has been a Deepika Padukone news week. The Bollywood actor on Saturday (June 7, 2025) officially boarded the cast of Telugu star Allu Arjun's sci-fi magnum opus with director Atlee. The announcement, while delighting fans, arrived in a charged context: Deepika, currently on a maternity break, has waded into a controversy after her alleged fallout with the makers of Spirit, leading to her departure from the film. Did Deepika walk out of Spirit or was she dropped? Was she fair in demanding a 10% profit share, as claimed in certain reports? Are eight-hour work shifts feasible on blockbuster film sets? Is Deepika not returning for Kalki 2? These questions have swirled around for days on social media, even as Deepika (who welcomed her daughter Dua in September last year) or her representatives are yet to comment on the issue. As the cycle of speculation continues, here is a breakdown of how things unfolded, what is confirmed and unconfirmed, and how the film industry is responding to this moment. How it started Deepika Padukone was rumoured to star opposite Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, Spirit. However, reports emerged last month of negotiations falling through, leading to Deepika's exit from the film. Among the reasons that emerged was the actor's demand for an eight-hour workday clause in her contract to accommodate her new role as a parent. She also wanted — it was claimed — a remuneration of ₹20-25 crore, and extra pay for shoots extending beyond 100 days. These demands reportedly did not sit well with the film's director, and Padukone was soon replaced by actor Triptii Dimri, who featured in Vanga's Animal. Vanga later took to social media, fulminating against the situation and alleging 'Dirty PR games'. Without naming Padukone, he accused her of leaking Spirit's story and 'undermining' a younger female actor. The 8-hour workday debate The demand for shorter and sustainable work hours is not new in Bollywood. The Indian film industry is notorious for gruelling and extended shoots. A typical film shoot can go up to 12-16 hours a day. There are problems of scheduling, location availability and coordination. While India's labour laws restrict work to 48 hours a week, this doesn't quite apply to a film set, which is, legally speaking, neither a factory nor a business establishment. Technicians, junior artists and daily wagers seem to suffer the most, but even top stars find their commitments overbearing, struggling to balance life and work. In January this year, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting poor work conditions and exploitative practices in the film industry. The letter highlighted '16 to 20 hours a day without holidays, proper breaks or rest'. Actor Pankaj Tripathi, in a recent interview, revealed the same: 'The work hours are getting stretched. I am working 16 to 18 hours on end.' Radhika Apte recently asserted that the industry isn't conducive to new mothers. Apte currently lives in London with her husband and newborn daughter. 'It's really difficult to work in our film industry, given the number of hours and how we film generally, and the time for which we don't get to see the child. So I guess I'll just have to figure it out now,' she told Indian Express. Industry's response Padukone's seeming advocacy of sustainable work hours has started a conversation in the popular sphere. At an event, asked about the demand for eight-hour shifts for new mothers, actor Kajol said: 'I would love the fact that you can work less.' Kajol's daughter Nysa was an infant when Kajol filmed for Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan. At the same event, Ajay Devgn said that the industry has taken positively to this demand. 'Most of the honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. Apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight-to nine-hour shifts,' he said, adding, 'It's person to person, and I feel most of the industry understands this.' Saif Ali Khan, Mani Ratnam and Barun Sobti also joined the chorus for better work-life balance. However, the Producers Guild of India (PGI) and the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) are yet to comment on the issue. Deepika's upcoming films The Deepika news cycle has been representative of the speculation media ecosystem. On June 5, unconfirmed reports, citing an Instagram page with two million followers, claimed that Deepika had been dropped from Nag Ashwin's Kalki sequel. The first film, Kalki 2898 AD, a dystopian sci-fi fantasy, featured Deepika as a central character alongside Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. In the wake of the Spirit controversy, it was rumoured that the actor's demand for shorter work caused 'friction on set', a claim that later was rubbished by a source close to the film. Speaking to NDTV, the source said, 'No shoot, no sets, no interaction and therefore, no question of a fallout.' Meanwhile, Deepika — an in-demand star for big-screen action spectacles — has joined the cast of AA22xA6. Her second collaboration with Atlee after 2023's Jawaan, the film will feature Deepika as a female warrior in a sci-fi world. She is also slated to return in sequels to Pathaan and Brahmastra.
Mint
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Roasted Sandeep Reddy Vanga': Internet reacts as Deepika Padukone joins Allu Arjun-Atlee's film after Spirit feud
Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone continues to make headlines on the work front. On Saturday, she surprised fans by announcing her next film, for which she will be collaborating with actor Allu Arjun. The project, tentatively titled AA22xA6, is helmed by Atlee who previously worked with Deepika on Shah Rukh Khan's Jawan. Touted to be a sci-fi, action entertainer, the film will see Deepika in her action mode. The makers unveiled a special video welcoming Deepika Padukone on board. It features her discussing the script with Atlee before heading to the set to begin her preparations for the film. Sharing the video, the makers wrote in the caption: 'The Queen marches to conquer! Welcome onboard @deepikapadukone #TheFacesOfAA22xA6 #AA22xA6 - A Magnum Opus from Sun Pictures.' Reacting to the video, fans have hailed Deepika in the comments. Many also poked fun at Deepika's recent feud with filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga over her alleged 'unprofessional behaviour' which led to their fallout. She was to star in Vanga's upcoming film, Spirit. However, after demanding 8 hours of work with a profit share of the film, reportedly she was dropped from the film. A user commented, 'That's how a director respect queen Deepika (sic).' 'She asked for better working conditions since she has a kid to look after too. She asked for profits share becoz she is confident in her talent and the movie. She didn't ask for any outrageous thing like babysitting fees or anything. As a woman, I don't feel its injustice that she asked for those - if she has asked anything else to finance her personal decisions and choices it may had made more sense (sic),' added another. One more said, 'When the Queen's comeback is personal.' Someone also wrote, 'Atlee silently roasted Sandeep Reddy Vanga.' Deepika's new film announcement comes days after her exit from Spirit. She was later replaced with Triptii Dimri in the film. It stars Prabhas in the lead. Previously there were reports suggesting she was dropped out of Kalki 2 as well. Reports suggested that it was due to friction with the lead actor, Prabhas. Another rumour claimed that the makers of the sequel of Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD were considering either trimming or removing her role from the film. However, a close source to the actor dismissed them all. Deepika was last seen in Singham Again.
News18
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Amitabh Bachchan Was 'Very Rude, Didn't Even Look At Me': Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain Actor Recalls
Last Updated: When Saanand Verma first worked with Amitabh Bachchan, he was treated like a "son". However, their second time working together was starkly different. Actor Saanand Verma grew immensely popular after he starred in the superhit TV show, Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain. Despite having worked with the best actors in the Indian entertainment industry, he only felt starstruck in front of one actor- Amitabh Bachchan. When Verma first worked with Bachchan, the veteran actor treated him like a 'son". However, their second time working together was starkly different. Verma said Bachchan was rude to him during the shoot. In a recent chat with Hindi Rush, Saanand Verma opened up about his contrasting experience with Amitabh Bachchan. He said, 'I have spoken to many stars, but I didn't think much about them. But I felt Amitabh Bachchan's aura when I was shooting Kaun Banega Crorepati's promo. The first time I met him… he was like… I felt like I am Abhishek Bachchan. I felt like I am his son. We spoke for three hours." His second time was not as great. Recalling his cold interaction, he said, 'However, the second time I met him to shoot an advertisement, he was very rude." 'After completing the shoot, I went and told him, 'I consider myself very fortunate to be able to work with you twice.' But he didn't even look at me, he kept staring at a painting and said, 'Bhagwan kare apko tibara mile (May God give you a third chance also),'" he said. Despite this coldness, Verma maintains that he still has immense respect for the veteran actor. He said, 'He gave me a lot of attention the first time and ignored me completely the second time, that contrast was noticeable. I love and respect Amit ji a lot. I don't think there is another actor like him in Hindi film industry but yes nobody is friends in the film industry." Meanwhile, Amitabh Bachchan is gearing up for the shoot for Kalki 2. Directed by Nag Ashwin and also starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone and Kamal Haasan, the sequel is expected to go on floors this year. He also has the Indian remake of The Intern with Deepika Padukone in his kitty. Amitabh Bachchan will also be seen in Brahmastra Part 2. First Published: June 07, 2025, 13:53 IST
