Kajal Aggarwal Breaks Silence on Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Demand: ‘I Have It in My Contract Too’

The debate around Deepika Padukone’s demand for an 8-hour work shift in the film industry continues to spark conversations, and now actress Kajal Aggarwal has openly backed the idea.

The controversy gained momentum after reports linked Deepika’s stance to her alleged exit from ‘Spirit’ and the ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel discussions. While the matter divided opinions across the industry, Kajal has now made it clear where she stands — and her support comes from personal experience.

In a recent interaction, Kajal called the criticism against Deepika “completely unfair” and revealed that she herself has introduced specific clauses in her contracts after becoming a mother.

The actress shared that her agreements now clearly define her working hours and also ensure that she does not work on Sundays, allowing her to dedicate that time entirely to her son.

Speaking about balancing her professional life and motherhood, Kajal admitted that this phase has been one of the toughest in her life. She explained that being equally devoted to her child and her career often brings emotional challenges, especially the guilt of dividing time between both.

However, the actress credited her strong support system, particularly her husband Gautam Kitchlu, for helping her manage the balancing act. Kajal revealed that the couple carefully plans their schedules to make sure their son always has one parent around.

She also spoke about how the entertainment industry has historically been difficult for new mothers, but believes that the situation is gradually changing.

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According to Kajal, actresses today are becoming more vocal about setting professional boundaries and choosing projects that align with their personal priorities.

Backing Deepika’s demand, Kajal pointed out that such work structures are already normal in the corporate world, and questioned why the film industry should be any different.

She highlighted how the industry has evolved significantly over the years, with increasing corporate funding and more structured production setups. In her view, adopting healthier work practices should be part of that evolution too.

The conversation around flexible working hours in cinema has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by women balancing stardom and motherhood. With stars like Deepika Padukone and Kajal Aggarwal speaking up, the discussion may well push the industry toward long-overdue changes.

As Bollywood continues to modernise, one question remains — will work-life balance finally become a reality for actors, especially mothers, in an industry known for its demanding schedules?