Overview
- In a new India Today interview, Smriti Irani labeled Deepika Padukone’s eight-hour workday request an “individual issue” and suggested some controversies are manufactured, while Padukone has argued the ask is reasonable given working conditions.
- Irani stressed that producer commitments must be honored and said television production cannot accommodate entourages or perceived “tantrums.”
- She warned that if an actor fails to show up, “120 people” may miss a day’s pay, highlighting the economic ripple effect on crews.
- Recalling her own career, Irani said she worked through two pregnancies and framed decisions about work and motherhood as personal accountability.
- Separately from the debate, coverage reports Padukone is not returning for the Kalki 2989 AD sequel and names Alia Bhatt as a possible replacement, a casting move that remains unconfirmed.