Ajay Devgn Backs Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Demand Amid Spirit Controversy

The Bollywood industry is buzzing with the recent fallout between Deepika Padukone and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over the much-anticipated film Spirit. The controversy, which has taken social media by storm, centers around Deepika’s reported exit from the project, allegedly due to her demand for an 8-hour workday. Adding fuel to the conversation, actor Ajay Devgn has come out in support of Deepika, shedding light on the evolving dynamics of work-life balance in the film industry.

The Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga Row

Spirit, a high-octane action drama starring Prabhas as a fierce police officer, was set to feature Deepika Padukone as the female lead, marking her second collaboration with Prabhas after Kalki 2898 AD. However, reports emerged that Deepika walked away from the project due to disagreements with Vanga. According to sources, Deepika, a new mother to her daughter Dua, requested to limit her workday to eight hours, with six hours dedicated to shooting. She also reportedly sought a hefty ₹20 crore fee and a share in the film’s profits, conditions that didn’t sit well with the director. Some reports even suggested that her refusal to deliver dialogues in Telugu added to the creative differences.

The situation escalated when Vanga announced that Triptii Dimri, his Animal collaborator, would replace Deepika as the female lead. Vanga took to X to express his frustration, hinting at a breach of trust without directly naming Deepika. In a cryptic post, 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?” This sparked speculation that Deepika may have leaked details about the film’s plot, further fueling the controversy.

Ajay Devgn’s Support for Deepika

At the trailer launch of the upcoming horror thriller Maa, produced by Ajay Devgn and starring his wife Kajol, the actor was asked about Deepika’s 8-hour shift demand and its reception in the Hindi film industry. Ajay responded thoughtfully, saying, “It’s not that it’s not going down well with people. Most 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.” His comments highlight a growing acceptance of reasonable work hours, especially for new mothers balancing professional and personal responsibilities.

Kajol, also present at the event, added a light-hearted perspective, quipping, “I love the fact that you can work less.” Her remark underscores the changing norms in Bollywood, where actors, particularly women, are advocating for better work-life balance. Ajay further noted that the industry’s response to such demands varies from person to person, but he believes most filmmakers are understanding.

Deepika’s Silence and Upcoming Projects

Deepika Padukone has chosen to remain silent on the Spirit controversy, focusing instead on her personal philosophy of authenticity and balance. In a recent interview with Vogue Arabia at a Cartier event in Stockholm, she shared, “I think what keeps me balanced is just being truthful, being authentic… to be able to listen to my inner voice and just make decisions, stand by decisions that really give me peace.” While she didn’t address the feud directly, her words suggest a commitment to prioritizing her well-being and family, especially after welcoming her daughter Dua with husband Ranveer Singh in September 2024.

Despite stepping away from Spirit, Deepika’s career remains robust. She is set to star in King alongside Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter Suhana Khan, directed by Siddharth Anand. Additionally, she will reunite with Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan in Kalki 2898 AD: Part 2, the sequel to the 2024 sci-fi epic.

The Bigger Picture

The Spirit controversy has sparked a broader conversation about workplace expectations in Bollywood, particularly for women. Deepika’s demands reflect a push for fair treatment and reasonable hours, especially for new mothers navigating the demands of motherhood and a high-profile career. Ajay Devgn’s support signals a shift toward more empathetic and flexible working conditions in the industry, challenging traditional norms that often require grueling schedules.

As Spirit moves forward with Triptii Dimri, produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, the film remains in pre-production and is slated to begin shooting in 2025. Meanwhile, the debate over Deepika’s exit continues to divide fans, with some praising her for standing her ground and others criticizing her alleged demands. Regardless, this episode underscores the evolving landscape of Bollywood, where conversations about work-life balance and professional boundaries are gaining momentum.

What are your thoughts on this controversy? Do you think Deepika’s demands were reasonable, or did they push the boundaries of professionalism? Drop your comments below and let’s discuss!

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