Pakistani actress Iqra Aziz has voiced her support for Deepika Padukone's reported request for an eight-hour workday, highlighting the need to respect working mothers and their work-life balance. The debate surrounding Deepika Padukone's demand began after reports of her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film "Spirit," where she allegedly requested an eight-hour shift as a new mother.

Iqra Aziz shared her views on the matter by reposting a clip of Deepika Padukone's interview on her social media, emphasizing that the focus should not be on the perceived demanding nature of the actress, but rather on supporting a mother striving to balance her work and personal life. Aziz stressed that as long as working mothers fulfill their commitments, they deserve to be supported by their colleagues, who should act as team players and respect their time.

The Pakistani star's support underscores a growing conversation within the entertainment industry about the challenges faced by working mothers. Many feel that working mothers need support to retain their status and star power without sacrificing personal priorities. Several Bollywood figures have also weighed in on the debate. Some insiders in the industry are calling the request unprofessional. However, others have supported the idea, with some pointing out that male actors have enjoyed similar arrangements without facing criticism.

Actor Ajay Devgn, for example, has publicly stated that honest filmmakers would not have a problem with such a demand, noting that many people have already started working eight to nine-hour shifts. He added that the industry largely understands this, especially considering the needs of working mothers. Director Kabir Khan has also questioned why an eight-hour shift should not be extended to Deepika Padukone when top male actors like Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar have similar provisions.

The controversy has inadvertently sparked a broader discussion about the kind of support new mothers need in the film industry and the importance of work-life balance. Deepika Padukone herself has spoken about the "mom guilt" she experiences when balancing her career and motherhood. She has also noted the double standard in the industry, questioning why male actors who request similar working conditions do not face the same scrutiny.

Other actresses, like Banita Sandhu, have shared their experiences of fighting against excessively long working hours in the industry. Sandhu revealed that she faced 16-18 hour shifts early in her career and was told by producers to shoot the whole day and then fly at night. She says that she stood up for herself and the crew, stating that it is not okay to have such long hours.

While veteran filmmaker Suneel Darshan has called Deepika's alleged demand "unreal" and impractical, the support from Iqra Aziz and other industry members highlights a growing recognition of the need for more accommodating and respectful working conditions for mothers in the entertainment industry. It also brings light to the challenges that working mothers face in balancing their careers and families.