Soha Ali Khan backs Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour workday demand, calls it a necessary change

Bollywood actor Soha Ali Khan has candidly opened up about the profound impact motherhood has had on her personal and professional life. After welcoming her daughter Inaaya in 2017 at the age of 38, Soha found herself wholly immersed in parenting.

“I lost my entire identity in motherhood. I lost my friends, I temporarily lost my husband. I forgot everything,” she revealed in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India. Soha explained that she chose to have Inaaya later in life, fully aware that motherhood would demand her complete attention. For the first three years, she devoted herself entirely to her daughter, acknowledging that work and friendships naturally took a back seat during this period.

The Struggle for Work-Life Balance

Now, as she returns to acting—most recently seen in Chhorii 2—Soha is striving to balance her career with her responsibilities as a mother. She shared that her commitment to being present for Inaaya remains unwavering. “By 7 p.m. I start getting anxious because it’s my bedtime ritual with her. Even when I was on set, I burst into tears once because we were in Rajasthan, shooting, and I hadn’t seen her all day,” Soha recalled. Her emotional honesty highlights the challenges many working mothers face, especially in demanding industries like film. Soha emphasized her empathy for new mothers, stating, “I am very sympathetic to new mums and their needs. I totally understand where Deepika is coming from.”

Backing Deepika Padukone’s Stand

Soha Ali Khan has voiced strong support for Deepika Padukone’s recent demand for an eight-hour work shift on film sets—a move that has sparked industry-wide discussion. Soha related deeply to Deepika’s stance, saying, “At 7, if you don’t pack up with me, I’ll run off. I’m sure some people will be like, ‘Don’t hire her (Soha) because she could be tough—she’s going to want to run home after 7.’

That was a career hit I was ready to take at 38, after achieving a lot.” Soha’s willingness to prioritize her family, even at the expense of professional opportunities, underscores the growing conversation around work-life balance and the need for more family-friendly practices in Bollywood.

Deepika Padukone’s Conditions and Industry Response

Deepika Padukone reportedly set several conditions for her participation in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, including an eight-hour workday, not delivering dialogues in Telugu, and a share in the film’s profits. These demands, particularly the call for shorter work shifts, led to her exit from the project and replacement by Triptii Dimri. Deepika’s insistence on a manageable schedule has reignited debate about the industry’s long working hours and the pressures faced by female actors, especially those with young families.

Soha’s Career Comeback and Future Plans

After a significant hiatus, Soha returned to the big screen with Chhorii 2, where she played a memorable role alongside Gashmeer Mahajani and Nushrratt Bharuccha. The film, directed by Vishal Furia, saw Soha in a negative role and earned her praise for her performance. The movie is currently available on Prime Video.

As Soha continues to navigate her career and motherhood, she remains a vocal advocate for healthier work environments and greater empathy for working mothers in the entertainment industry. Soha is yet to announce her next project, but her recent statements have already made a significant impact on the ongoing conversation about women’s rights and work-life balance in Bollywood.