Yami Gautam has spoken up in support of Deepika Padukone after reports claimed that the Pathaan actress exited Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel due to her decision to limit her work to eight-hour shifts as a new mother.
In an interview with Times Now News, Yami addressed the ongoing discussion and said that working hour limits in the film industry aren’t new — and that several actors, including men, have followed similar schedules for years.
“This is something that has been happening for decades. There are actors who shoot for only eight hours a day, five days a week. They don’t do night shoots either,” Yami said, adding that such decisions are usually made mutually between the actor, producer, and director.
“Why Is It an Issue When a Woman Says It?”
Yami questioned the double standards faced by female actors who seek reasonable working conditions.
“If a female actor says it, it suddenly becomes an issue. But male actors have done this for years. At the end of the day, we are all human beings trying to make art under challenging circumstances,” she stated.
The Haq actress emphasized that every professional, especially mothers, tries to balance work and family.
“Every mother — whether she’s working in an office, on a film set, or at home — wants to be present for her child. There’s nothing wrong with asking for time if it suits the production. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, they move on.”
Deepika Padukone Responds to Controversy
Deepika herself recently addressed the rumors surrounding her working hour demands. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, she called out the industry’s double standards when it comes to female professionals.
“By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or demanding, then so be it,” Deepika said. “It’s no secret that many male superstars in our industry have been working eight hours a day for years, and it has never made headlines.”
The actress added that several leading men in Bollywood prefer to work only Monday to Friday, keeping weekends off, and no one questions their choices.
A Broader Industry Conversation
Yami’s remarks have struck a chord with fans, who praised her for openly addressing the gender gap in how actors’ professional boundaries are perceived.
Her upcoming film, Haq, a courtroom drama inspired by the historic Shah Bano case, will release in theatres on November 7, 2025, with Emraan Hashmi as her co-star.
Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone continues to make global strides, balancing motherhood and her film commitments, including upcoming projects under her own banner.
