Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has come out in support of fellow star Deepika Padukone amid the ongoing debate around the 8-hour work shift in the film industry. Kareena shared her perspective on balancing work and motherhood while raising her two sons, Taimur Ali Khan and Jehangir Ali Khan, emphasizing that women should have the freedom to set their own boundaries
Kareena supports Deepika’s stance
The discussion began after reports suggested that Deepika Padukone stepped away from a big project following the birth of her daughter Dua Padukone Singh. Responding to the issue, Kareena said women in the industry should feel empowered to communicate their working conditions clearly to directors and producers.
She stated that actors should have the freedom to say what works for them, especially when they are balancing family responsibilities. According to Kareena, clear communication and planning can help ensure both professional commitments and personal life are managed smoothly.
Kareena recalls shooting The Buckingham Murders
Speaking about her own experience while filming The Buckingham Murders, Kareena explained how careful scheduling helped her manage work and motherhood. The actress had to spend around 35 days in London for the shoot but arranged the schedule in a way that allowed her to travel back home in between.
She shared that the team divided the shoot into segments so she could return home to her children during breaks. The schedule was even planned around festivals like Diwali, allowing her to spend time with family.
Planning is the key to work-life balance
Kareena stressed that proper planning and transparency from the beginning are essential. She said that she often tells filmmakers exactly what she can commit to, considering her responsibilities as a mother of two.
The actress explained that sometimes the production team would shoot other portions while she returned home to see her children, after which she would come back to finish the remaining schedule.
Kareena credits Saif Ali Khan for support
Kareena also spoke about the importance of mutual understanding in a marriage, especially when both partners are working. She credited her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, for supporting her career and helping manage parenting responsibilities.
According to Kareena, when both partners have demanding schedules, coordination becomes essential so that one parent is always present with the children.
Sacrifices are sometimes necessary
The actress acknowledged that maintaining this balance sometimes requires sacrifices. She admitted that there are occasions when she has had to turn down films or work commitments because of family priorities.
However, Kareena reiterated that such decisions are part of managing a career and family life simultaneously.
Standing by Deepika’s choice
Expressing solidarity with Deepika, Kareena said that every woman should have the freedom to prioritize her children if she chooses to. She added that actresses should be able to define their work schedules, including limiting the number of hours they work.
At the same time, she noted that such conditions should be discussed clearly before a film begins production so that everyone involved is aware of the arrangements.
Over the years, Kareena Kapoor Khan has been widely praised for continuing to work during her pregnancies and returning to film sets soon after the births of her sons. The actress has often spoken openly about balancing her film career, family life, and personal well-being, making her an example of how modern Bollywood stars manage both professional and personal responsibilities.
