In a development that has sparked intense debate in the entertainment industry, actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly been dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit after she requested a 6-hour workday due to her responsibilities as a new mother. The film was set to star Prabhas opposite Padukone, but disagreements over working hours and contract terms reportedly led to her exit.
According to media reports, Deepika’s agency had requested that the contract include provisions for additional remuneration if the shooting schedule exceeded 100 days. However, sources claim that the primary dispute centered around her insistence on a six-hour work limit per day something she allegedly made clear before signing the project. The removal quickly made waves online, with fans and industry experts jumping to Deepika’s defense. The issue has been dubbed a “NRN moment” (No Room for Negotiation), referencing corporate inflexibility around work-life balance.
Trade analyst Aavishkar called the “unprofessional” label unfair, noting:
“Deepika has been in the industry for 19 years. In all that time, no one has ever accused her of being unprofessional. On the contrary, I’ve only heard positive stories from colleagues.”
Film journalist Rahul Raut also defended her:
“Deepika Padukone has an eight-month-old baby at home. Asking for decent shooting hours to balance career and motherhood is not unprofessional it’s responsible.” Social media exploded with support. Many praised Deepika for standing her ground and prioritizing both her career and her family without compromising either. “Being a mother doesn’t make you less committed. It means your time matters even more. Asking for reasonable working hours is not unprofessional it’s human.”
“What’s wrong with asking for an 8-hour day? The only reason filmmakers can’t manage that is poor planning. Don’t blame actors for systemic inefficiencies.”
The debate also reignited discussions around how the film industry treats working mothers. One user highlighted:
“An 8-hour workday is a basic right especially for new moms. Calling it a demand screams misogyny.” Others pointed out that Deepika’s request wasn’t sprung midway through production it was part of her contract negotiations. “She asked for a 6-hour workday before signing anything. That’s called professionalism.” There’s also growing criticism of how female actors, especially new mothers, are judged for seeking flexibility that is rarely questioned when requested by their male counterparts.
Despite the controversy, Spirit producer Bhushan Kumar has stated that the film is still on schedule and expected to go on floors within 2–3 months. A new leading lady has not yet been confirmed.
