Deepika Padukone’s request for an eight-hour work schedule has created a major discussion on social media, especially after she reportedly exited from the films, Spirit and Kalki 2. Following these controversies, the actress has now spoken publicly about why she believes shorter workdays are important, particularly after becoming a mother.

In a recent interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Deepika shared how motherhood has reshaped her priorities. Using very honest words, she said, “One hundred per cent. Every cliché is true. When mothers say, ‘You’ll understand when you become one,’ it’s true. I have so much more respect for my mother now.” She also added that although she had planned out how she would manage her career after having a child, things turned out differently in reality. As she explained, “You can plan how you think you’ll navigate work and motherhood, but the reality is very different.”

Deepika expressed that companies need to support women returning to work, saying, “I feel strongly about how new mothers need to be supported when they return to work. That’s something I want to focus on.”

She also addressed the larger problem of long working hours in the film industry, remarking, “We’ve normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment.” According to her, a healthy work system is essential for better performance “Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you’re healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one.”

Deepika explained that her own office practices this rule: “In my own office, we work eight hours a day, Monday to Friday. We have maternity and paternity policies. We should normalise bringing children to work.”

Talking to CNBC-TV18 about workplace conditions and pay issues, she stated, “I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me… I am someone who has always fought my battles silently.”