Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam has voiced his support for the growing demand for better work-life balance within the Indian film industry, specifically endorsing the reported eight-hour work shift request made by actress Deepika Padukone. In a recent interview while discussing his upcoming film Thug Life starring Kamal Haasan, Ratnam addressed the particular difficulties faced by young mothers in the demanding profession.
He stated emphatically, “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.”
Furthermore, Ratnam lauded Deepika’s assertiveness in expressing her needs, saying, “I think it’s nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It’s a very healthy sign.”
Ratnam’s remarks follow recent comments from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, which were interpreted by many as a criticism of Deepika Padukone. Industry sources suggest that Deepika Padukone, who was initially slated to work with Vanga on his next project, Spirit, had requested eight-hour work shifts to accommodate her responsibilities as a mother to her daughter, Dua.
According to these reports, Deepika’s insistence on shorter workdays allegedly led Sandeep Reddy Vanga to replace her with Triptii Dimri, with whom he previously collaborated on his film Animal. Mani Ratnam’s support adds a significant voice to the ongoing conversation about creating more sustainable and family-friendly working conditions in the Indian film industry.
