On the eve of World Mental Health Day, Bollywood star Deepika Padukone gave a candid and powerful interview, reigniting conversations around mental health, workplace peace, and gender equality in the Indian film industry. Known for her advocacy on mental health awareness, the actor went a step further this time — addressing systemic issues of disorganisation and gender bias within the industry.
Deepika highlights need for structure and fairness
In a sit-down chat with CNBC-TV18, Deepika emphasised that while Indian cinema wields immense cultural influence, it still lacks the structural integrity expected from an organised industry. “The Indian film industry is brutal,” she said. “We have a tendency of working in a way that is ‘chalta hai’. If a system has worked for so long, we don’t question it — but I’m always looking for ways to make things better.”
Her remarks come amid intense social media debate following her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s upcoming Telugu epic sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Many speculated that her decision was linked to her insistence on balanced working hours, which some interpreted as “demands”.
On gender bias and working hours
Addressing the controversy, Deepika clarified her stance. “It’s no secret that many male superstars have been working 8-hour days for years, and it has never made headlines,” she said. “But when a woman says the same thing, suddenly it becomes newsworthy.”
The actor added that female professionals — especially new mothers — deserve structured work schedules without being labelled “difficult” or “demanding”. She pointed out that the conversation is less about comfort and more about fair treatment and professionalism in an industry that thrives on creativity but often overlooks well-being.
Mental health and the workplace
Deepika, who founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015 to raise mental health awareness, tied her observations back to the importance of mental wellness at work. “When you have an organised, empathetic, and fair work environment, you automatically create space for better mental health,” she noted.
She urged filmmakers, production houses, and unions to adopt a more systematic approach — with defined work hours, transparent pay structures, and respect for personal boundaries.
A call for systemic change
“The Indian film industry is termed an industry, but we’ve never really worked like one,” Deepika said. “It’s time we brought in a system and some discipline into this culture.” Her call resonates at a time when Bollywood is undergoing introspection about workplace culture, gender representation, and inclusivity.
Conclusion
As the conversation around mental health continues to gain ground globally, Deepika’s interview serves as a timely reminder that empathy, structure, and equality are key to a healthier creative ecosystem. Her remarks have sparked widespread support online, with many fans and colleagues lauding her for speaking up about long-ignored issues in Indian cinema.