Mumbai, Mar 07 : Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has voiced support for fellow star Deepika Padukone amid discussions in the film industry over working hours and work life balance for actors.
The debate intensified after reports suggested that Deepika stepped away from a major project following the birth of her daughter, choosing to prioritise time with her family and limit her work schedule.
Speaking about the issue, Kareena said women in the film industry should have the freedom to define their professional boundaries and discuss them with filmmakers before a project begins.
The actor shared her own experience of managing film commitments while raising her two sons, Taimur and Jeh. She recalled the shooting schedule of her film The Buckingham Murders, which required her to stay in London for over a month.
According to Kareena, the production team planned the schedule in a way that allowed her to travel back and forth between work and home. She explained that the shoot was divided into phases so she could spend time with her family in between filming commitments.
The actor emphasised that clear communication and planning are essential when balancing professional responsibilities with family life. She added that filmmakers were supportive once she explained her requirements as a mother.
Kareena also credited her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, for maintaining a shared understanding about parenting responsibilities. She noted that when both partners have demanding careers, coordination becomes necessary to ensure that their children receive proper attention.
At times, she said, maintaining this balance requires personal sacrifices, including turning down certain projects or adjusting schedules.
Expressing support for Deepika’s reported stance, Kareena said women should be able to decide how many hours they are comfortable working, especially after becoming mothers. However, she added that such expectations should be communicated clearly before the production of a film begins.
Kareena has often been praised for continuing to work during her pregnancies and returning to film sets soon after becoming a mother, while actively managing her family responsibilities alongside her career.