Saba Azad She spoke about the challenges women continue to face in society and the entertainment industry, months after receiving reports on the matter. Deepika PadukoneThe supposed exit of Spirit and its sequel Kalki 2898 AD sparked a debate over the working conditions of Bollywood actors.Deepika After becoming a mother, she reportedly asked for an 8-hour work shift, a request that was allegedly not accepted by the producers and eventually led her to withdraw from the projects. The reports sparked online conversations about sexism and the treatment of women in the film industry.
Saba Azad says women still face different expectations at home and at work
Who is in your gynecologist promotions? In season 2, Saba Azad reflected on patriarchy and how gender expectations remain ingrained, even in supposedly progressive spaces.“In the most progressive homes, women may be working, but she will come back and set the table, feed everyone. We don’t tell our boys to stay at home, but we tell our girls not to go out after 8:00 p.m. There is female infanticide, this world is full of domestic violence, and the manosphere is hyperactive. I think we have gone backwards,” she told The Indian Express.The actor added that patriarchal systems also negatively affect men.“There was an increase that lasted until the beginning of the 2000s, then it stopped, and it fell. I will not get into the political reasons; patriarchy does not serve anyone, less men. It is impossible for men to have emotions, to say no or to cry. Women and men do not have the expectation that patriarchy has time. The system, and we have a long way to go,” said Saba.
Saba Azad on women demanding 8 hour work shifts
Speaking specifically about women in the entertainment industry, Saba acknowledged that while opportunities for actors have improved, many structural issues remain unresolved.“The art field has been leaps and bounds ahead of society; it challenges society’s perception. There’s a lot more work for women in our industry now; it’s much better. But do we have pay parity? No, we don’t. Do we respect women who have just given birth and are asking for 8-hour days? No, we don’t, we’re still fighting that,” she said.“We still can’t give women their place without showing it, so to speak. We’re doing better; there’s a lot more content for women, and there’s no clear hierarchy if you’re getting married. It’s much better when it comes to roles for married women or older women; OTT can appreciate that. Content is winning over stars,” she added.
Deepika Padukone called the situation “ridiculously unfair”.
In 2025, Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit and its sequel Kalki 2898 AD became the talk of the town when reports suggested that the actress’ request for shorter stints was dismissed as unreasonable by the producers.The actress reportedly sought an 8-hour shift to better balance work and motherhood responsibilities. Earlier speaking to Brut India, Deepika called the situation “ridiculously unfair”.On the work front, Deepika Padukone will next be seen in King, opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The actress also announced her second pregnancy on April 19.
