Deepika Padukone’s departure from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit has ignited controversy, with industry insiders pointing to behind-the-scenes tensions and unverified claims of “unprofessional” demands. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Padukone’s team had mentioned several clauses to the terms of her contract. Among the demands cited were a cap of six working hours per day and additional compensation for any shoot days beyond the 100-day schedule initially agreed upon.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently addressed the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), which was believed to have been. His remarks came shortly after Pinkvilla published a report that disclosed alleged plot details of Spirit, leading the filmmaker to suggest, without directly naming her, that Padukone might have been linked to the leak.

Amid this ongoing row, many Bollywood actors have spoken in support of Deepika, justifying the demand for a work-life balance as normal.

Tamannaah Bhatia

Tamannaah Bhatia appears to have shown quiet support through a social media gesture that’s now drawing attention.

Tamannaah recently liked a viral Instagram reel featuring a powerful throwback clip from a 2020 press conference for Chhapaak, the film produced by Deepika and inspired by acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal. In the resurfaced video, Deepika is seen confronting a reporter who asked if her husband, Ranveer Singh, may have financed the production. Visibly taken aback by this, Deepika responded firmly, “Excuse me, yeh mere khud ke paise hain. Kisne bola yeh? (This is my money. Who said this to you?) Excuse me, it is my own money.”

The reel is accompanied by an on-screen text that reads, “Propaganda she is not falling for: Disrespect, men, sexism, gender pay gap, working overtime, unprofessionalism, misogyny, and double standards.”

Though Tamannaah didn’t issue a public statement, her interaction with the reel is being hailed by fans as a subtle but significant nod of solidarity with Deepika.

Kajol and Ajay Devgn

At the trailer launch of their upcoming film Maa, actors Kajol and Ajay Devgn took a moment to address this topic. While Kajol didn’t directly refer to the recent controversies, she made her stance clear, saying, “I love the fact if you can work less.”

Ajay Devgn chimed in, adding, “Most honest filmmakers will not have a problem with this.”

He went on to say, “Even apart from being a mother and working for eight hours, most of the industry does understand all this. It’s really about mutual respect and flexibility.”

Radhika Apte

In a recent interview, actress Radhika Apte spoke candidly about the lack of support and understanding for new mothers within the film industry. When asked whether new mothers in cinema are receiving the encouragement they need, Apte didn’t hold back. “I don’t think the film industry understands the needs of new mothers,” she said, mentioning that the issue causes her stress. Having recently stepped into motherhood herself, Apte admitted to feeling uncertain about how she will manage her career moving forward. “I don’t know how I will work in the future,” she shared.

She further highlighted the emotional and physical demands placed on women in the industry, noting, “This industry is very tough, we work so many hours for a film, and have to stay away from our children for so long—it is a matter of concern.”

Saif Ali Khan

At the recent Arab Media Summit, actor Saif Ali Khan also subtly voiced support for his Race 2 co-actor Deepika, offering a perspective on what success truly means to him.

Reflecting on the balance between work and personal life, Saif shared that being present for his family takes top priority. “I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That’s not success,” he said. “Success is being able to say, ‘No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with them.’”

He went on to explain how he structures his life around his children’s needs. “We get four holidays a year, and when my kids are on break, I don’t work. That time is sacred,” he revealed. “I’m at that crazy age where I have to call both my mom and my children. You think it’s just your parents you have to check on, then you realise it’s both,” he added.

Concluding his thoughts with a powerful message, he said, “Success and privilege, for me, is being able to say no to work and yes to time with my family.”