The conversation surrounding labor rights and working hours in the Indian film industry has intensified as more A-list actors weigh in. Following Deepika Padukone’s high-profile exit from major projects over her demand for fixed working hours, new mother Kiara Advani has now expressed her support for a more structured work environment.
Kiara Advani’s Stand: “Burnout Helps No One”
In a recent interview with Vogue India on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Kiara Advani addressed the toll that disorganized industry schedules can take on mental and physical health.
- The Mantra: Kiara emphasized a three-word philosophy she applies both at home and on set: “Dignity. Balance. Respect.”
- The Reality of Motherhood: Having welcomed her daughter, Saraayah, with husband Sidharth Malhotra in July 2025, Kiara shared that motherhood has brought her “new clarity.” She noted that she now prioritizes her well-being and is highly focused on how she manages the “gaps” in her day.
- Support System: She credited her husband as an “incredibly hands-on father” and mentioned her mother and team as critical pillars that allow her to balance her career with parenting.
Context: The Deepika Padukone Controversy
The debate reached a boiling point earlier this year due to two major casting shifts involving Deepika Padukone:
- Spirit (Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga): Reports alleged that Deepika exited the Prabhas-starrer after demanding an 8-hour shift and a cap on shoot days. She was subsequently replaced by Triptii Dimri.
- Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: Deepika also reportedly stepped away from the sequel to Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi epic, citing a need for a sustainable schedule as a new mother to her daughter, Dua.
Deepika’s Response: Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Deepika defended her stance: “By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy… then so be it. A lot of male superstars have been working for 8 hours for years, and it’s never made headlines.”
Industry Support: A Growing Consensus?
While some have labeled the demand “unprofessional,” several industry titans have rallied behind the need for reform:
| Name | Perspective |
| Mani Ratnam | Called it an “absolute necessity” and a “rightful demand” that filmmakers should account for during casting. |
| Ajay Devgn | Stated that “honest filmmakers” won’t have a problem with it, noting that many sectors of the industry already follow 8–9 hour shifts. |
| Sunita Ahuja | (Wife of Govinda) Supported the move, saying a good mother must prioritize her children over extended shoots. |
What’s Next for Kiara?
Despite the debate, Kiara’s professional slate remains packed. She is set to star in “Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups” alongside Yash (releasing March 2026), a role she describes as her “toughest one yet,” physically and mentally.