Deepika Padukone Vs L&T Chairman: Actress Reacts to 90-Hour Workweek Idea

Deepika Padukone, known for her mental health advocacy, recently voiced her concern over remarks made by Larsen & Toubro's chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, advocating for extended workdays, including Sundays. The Bollywood actor shared her dismay on Instagram, highlighting the importance of mental health and criticizing the chairman's stance on workplace culture. Her reaction brings to light the ongoing debate on work-life balance and mental well-being in the corporate world.

Larsen & Toubro, a giant in India's infrastructure sector, found itself at the center of controversy when its chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, expressed his desire for employees to work on Sundays. This statement came to light during a discussion with employees about the company's working practices, which are increasingly seen as outdated in today’s work environment. Subrahmanyan’s comments, particularly regarding how employees spend their time at home, were met with criticism for undermining the importance of personal time and suggesting a disregard for work-life balance.

The controversy escalated when a video of Subrahmanyan's comments circulated on social media platforms such as Reddit. In the video, he lamented the inability to mandate Sunday workdays, saying, "I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays." Further stirring the pot, he questioned employees' leisure activities with a controversial remark about spending time at home, which many viewed as insensitive and out of touch with modern workplace values.

In response to the backlash, a spokesperson from Larsen & Toubro issued a statement highlighting the company's legacy in nation-building and its commitment to India's development. The statement read, "At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate. For over eight decades, we have been shaping India's infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities." It emphasized the chairman's comments as reflective of the organization's ambition for extraordinary achievements, requiring extraordinary efforts.

Deepika Padukone's involvement in mental health goes beyond mere advocacy. After sharing her personal struggle with depression, she established the Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015. The foundation aims to destigmatize mental health issues and provide support through various initiatives, including awareness programs, resources, and training for medical professionals. One of its notable campaigns, "You Are Not Alone," focuses on educating students and teachers in schools about mental health, highlighting Padukone's commitment to bringing mental well-being to the forefront of social consciousness.