Key Points

Narayani Shastri has publicly supported Deepika Padukone's professional choices after her exit from the movie "Spirit". The television actress emphasized that women should have the autonomy to define their working conditions, especially after childbirth. Deepika reportedly requested specific working hours, increased pay, and profit sharing for her role. Narayani's statement highlights the ongoing dialogue about work-life balance for women in the entertainment industry.

Key Points: Narayani Shastri Backs Deepika Padukone's Work Choices

  • Deepika replaced in 'Spirit' after placing specific work conditions
  • Narayani supports personal professional choices for mothers
  • Actress discusses challenges of double role in new show
2 min read

Narayani Shastri on Deepika Padukone controversy: 'It's a personal choice'

TV actress Narayani Shastri defends Deepika Padukone's professional boundaries for working mothers in entertainment industry

Narayani Shastri on Deepika Padukone controversy: 'It's a personal choice'
"Women should rest after childbirth, but if she feels ready, more power to her - Narayani Shastri"

Mumbai, June 5

Actress Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit" has sparked a new debate in the entertainment industry about the rightful working hours for new moms.

Popular television actress, Narayani Shastri shared her views on the matter during an exclusive conversation with IANS.

According to Narayani, it is a personal choice. She told IANS, "Someone like Deepika Padukone can work on her own terms, and if people agree to her conditions, that's great. Personally, I believe women should rest after childbirth. But if a woman feels ready and has the strength to work, and others are willing to cooperate with her conditions, then more power to her. That's how society works--those with the strength and support can move forward."

Recently, Deepika was replaced by Triptii Dimri in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's highly-awaited next, "Spirit" due to some working conditions placed by the new mother.

It is believed that Deepika demanded eight-hour shifts, along with an increase in pay, and a share in the profit. The reports also claim she refused to speak the Telugu lines, asking them to be dubbed.

Work-wise, Narayani will next be seen in the new television show, "Noyontara". She will be seen in a double role in the project.

Talking about her characters in her next, she shared, "I'm doing a double role in this show. On one hand, the negative character is like a sweet knife--it's sharp but charming. On the other hand, the positive character has so many layers. As an actor, it's a delight to portray such depth."

Sharing her shooting experience, Narayani added, "In the initial days of the shoot, we would often pause and wonder if we were portraying the right energy or character. It required a lot of alertness and presence of mind. I had to constantly check whether I was playing the correct version of the character at that moment. But overall, it was a lot of fun."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
Finally someone speaking sense! Why are we judging a new mother for setting boundaries? Deepika has every right to prioritize her health and baby. Good on her for standing her ground 👏 Indian society needs to stop pressuring women to "bounce back" immediately after childbirth.
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Rahul S.
While I respect Narayani's balanced view, let's be honest - if this was a male star making these demands, nobody would bat an eyelid. The entertainment industry still has double standards when it comes to working mothers. Deepika is setting an important precedent for future actresses.
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Ananya M.
As someone who just returned from maternity leave, I completely understand Deepika's position. The physical and emotional toll of childbirth lasts much longer than people realize. More power to her for being honest about her needs! ❤️
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Vikram J.
I disagree slightly with Narayani's view. When you're being paid crores, you should be professional and flexible. Many working mothers in India don't have the luxury of demanding special conditions. That said, if the producers agreed to her terms, then it's between them.
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Shweta P.
Interesting how Narayani mentions "those with strength and support can move forward" - this is so true! Not every new mother has the privilege to make these choices. We need better maternity policies across all industries, not just Bollywood.
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Karan D.
The real issue here is why Indian cinema still doesn't have standardized working hours. 12-14 hour shoots are inhuman for anyone, let alone new parents. Maybe Deepika's stance will bring positive change to the industry 🤞
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