In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar India, Deepika Padukone voiced her strong belief in the need for better support for new mothers returning to work in Bollywood, advocating for reasonable work hours and a healthier work-life balance. Her comments have sparked a conversation within the industry about the challenges faced by working mothers and the need for more family-friendly policies. Alia Bhatt, a contemporary of Padukone and a mother herself, has now responded to these statements, adding her perspective to the discussion.

While Alia Bhatt has yet to release an official statement regarding Deepika Padukone's recent comments about supporting working mothers in Bollywood, she has previously demonstrated her support for Padukone in the face of public scrutiny. In May 2024, when Deepika Padukone faced online trolling and body-shaming during her pregnancy, Alia Bhatt showed her support by liking a post that condemned the negativity. This action was seen as a sign of solidarity between the two actresses, with fans praising Bhatt for empathizing with Padukone.

Deepika Padukone's advocacy for an eight-hour workday and better facilities for working mothers stems from her own experiences and observations within the film industry. She has spoken about the pressures of overworking and the need to normalize reasonable work hours, emphasizing that "eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind". Padukone also highlighted the importance of having maternity and paternity policies and creating a workplace environment where bringing children to work is normalized. She believes that prioritizing physical and emotional well-being is crucial for success and that "time is our greatest currency".

Padukone's call for change has resonated with many in the industry, with some expressing their support for creating more flexible and family-friendly schedules. Filmmaker Mani Ratnam has publicly backed Padukone's advocacy, stating that her demands are "very fair and absolutely necessary". Actress Vidya Balan has also voiced her support, acknowledging that industries across the board are increasingly accommodating the needs of new mothers and that flexible working hours are important.

However, there has also been some debate and pushback regarding the feasibility of implementing such changes in the film industry. Some have questioned whether strict working hours could lead to higher production costs and disrupt shooting schedules. Despite these concerns, Padukone's initiative has undeniably brought attention to the issue and sparked a wider conversation about the need for a more balanced and supportive work environment for parents in Bollywood.

Alia Bhatt, who became a mother in 2022, has also spoken about the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding career. She has admitted that finding time for herself has been difficult and that she is constantly trying to navigate the demands of both her personal and professional life. Bhatt's experiences likely give her a unique understanding of the issues raised by Padukone, and her support could further amplify the call for change within the industry.

The conversation initiated by Deepika Padukone highlights a broader issue of gender inequality and the need for systemic changes to support women in the workplace. By advocating for better working conditions for mothers, Padukone is challenging the industry's long-standing norms and paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future. It remains to be seen how Bollywood will respond to these calls for change, but the dialogue has undoubtedly begun, and with the support of influential figures like Alia Bhatt, the movement for a more supportive environment for working mothers is gaining momentum.