‘If I chose to have a child…’: Smriti Irani REACTS to Deepika Padukone's 8-hour work shift debate

Deepika Padukone has been currently buzzing regarding her take on 8-hour work shifts in the film industry. Many actors have shared their opinions on the debate. Now, actress-politician Smriti Irani has weighed in. Smriti offered her perspective on work ethics, professional responsibility, and the wider impact of an actor’s choices on the industry.

Smriti Irani believes professional commitment cannot be ignored

Smriti Irani stated that one cannot simply decide not to honour the producer’s commitment or skip work because they 'don’t feel like it,' as such behaviour is professionally unacceptable.


In a chat with India Today, she said, "I believe as an industry as a whole, we can have new pathways to enhancing our market value. I think the industry is so focused on creating creative value that it doesn't look at market value."

Deepika Padukone’s demand is personal

When asked about Padukone' demand, Smriti said it is an individual issue. She added that many controversies are manufactured, often just to make them sell. She stated that she would not be naive enough to get involved in such 'stupidity.'

Smriti Irani recalls working through two pregnancies

Irani reflected on her own career, saying, "I will only say this much that I have worked through two pregnancies on this very set with a female producer. I was very, very adamant on making my producer successful because, for a young female producer to get a show which became [this] iconic, as an actor, it was my responsibility to make sure that the ship kept sailing."

The actress emphasised the wider responsibility actors have in the industry. She said, "Today, I understand that if I consistently don't turn up for my producer, they will suffer a huge loss, and it's not fair to them. If I don't turn up to work, 120 people do not get a pay cheque that day. It's unfair to 120 families. So, my way of viewing my work and my work product is very different."

Smirti Irani stresses on personal accountability for life choices

Smriti also spoke about personal responsibility, highlighting that career and family choices come with obligations. "If I chose to have a child, then I must take responsibility first," she said.

Smriti Irani and Deepika Padukone on the work front

Smriti Irani has returned to television with 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu 2', reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani. Deepika Padukone is working on Siddharth Anand's King, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Abhishek Bachchan.