Kareena Kapoor Khan has spoken in support of Deepika Padukone amid the ongoing debate in the film industry about working hours for mothers. The discussion began after reports emerged that Deepika requested an eight-hour work schedule in order to balance her professional commitments with motherhood. The conversation has sparked wider discussions within the industry about whether flexible working conditions should be made available to actors, particularly women who have recently become mothers.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kareena addressed the issue and expressed her support for the idea that working mothers should have the flexibility to decide their schedules. According to the actor, women should have the freedom to determine how much time they can dedicate to work while also prioritising their family responsibilities. She emphasised that if someone wants to spend more time with their children, they should be able to communicate that clearly. However, Kareena also noted that such conditions should ideally be discussed and agreed upon before the start of a film’s production to avoid confusion later.
During the conversation, Kareena also reflected on her own experiences of balancing work commitments with family life. She recalled her schedule while shooting for The Buckingham Murders, which required her to spend time in London for an extended period. According to her, careful planning helped her manage both work and family responsibilities. Kareena explained that she arranged her travel schedule in a way that allowed her to return home during the Diwali festival, highlighting the importance of planning professional commitments around personal priorities whenever possible.
The actor also acknowledged the support she receives from her husband, Saif Ali Khan, in managing family life. She said that having a supportive partner makes it easier to maintain balance between work and parenting responsibilities. Kareena noted that during her film shoots, Saif often takes care of their children, allowing her to focus on her work commitments. In her view, such mutual understanding within a marriage is essential, particularly when both partners have demanding careers. She added that cooperation between partners ensures that children receive proper attention even when one parent is working.
Kareena also spoke about Deepika Padukone’s work ethic based on her past experiences of working with the actor. She recalled collaborating with Deepika before she became a mother and said that there were never any issues regarding work commitments at the time. According to Kareena, Deepika attended workshops and fulfilled her responsibilities without making special demands. She suggested that circumstances have naturally changed now that Deepika has become a mother, and that wanting to spend more time with a young child is understandable during the early years of parenting.
The discussion about flexible working hours has also received support from other actors in the industry. Vidya Balan recently commented on the issue while speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India. She stated that allowing mothers to work fewer or flexible hours is a reasonable approach. According to Vidya, many industries around the world are adopting such practices to ensure that women do not have to step away from their careers after having children. She added that providing flexible work arrangements can help retain talent while supporting women during the early years of motherhood.
The debate surrounding work schedules in Bollywood gained wider attention earlier this year following reports that director Sandeep Reddy Vanga replaced Deepika Padukone in the upcoming Prabhas-starrer Spirit. According to reports, the decision was linked to disagreements over several conditions, including her request for shorter working hours, a higher salary and a share of the film’s profits. While the details of the situation have not been officially confirmed by all parties involved, the reports triggered broader conversations about working conditions and expectations in the industry.
Deepika Padukone herself has addressed the discussion in a recent interview with CNBC-TV18. Speaking about the issue, she explained that advocating for fair working conditions is not new for her. Deepika said she has often handled such matters privately and prefers to resolve professional challenges quietly rather than turning them into public debates. However, she acknowledged that discussions about pay parity and working conditions sometimes become public despite her preference for handling them discreetly.
The ongoing conversation reflects a broader shift in how the film industry is approaching work-life balance, particularly for women who are balancing demanding careers with family responsibilities. As more actors speak about the need for flexible working environments, the debate may continue to shape future discussions about professional practices in Bollywood.