Workweek Controversy Sparks Debate

Bollywood icon Deepika Padukone has sparked a fresh wave of conversation around work-life balance, taking a firm stance against the controversial remarks by Larsen Toubro (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyan. The industrialist’s call for a 90-hour workweek, including working Sundays, has drawn sharp criticism across social media and corporate circles, with Padukone branding the comments as “shocking” and out of touch with modern realities.

In defense, an L&T spokesperson framed Subrahmanyan's statements as part of a larger vision for "nation-building" during what they called "India’s decade of progress." The company has long emphasized the value of relentless dedication, but this justification failed to quell the uproar. Padukone, known for championing mental health, intensified the debate by sharing L&T's response on social media with a cutting remark: "And they just made it worse…"

The uproar stems from Subrahmanyan’s statements during an employee address, where he questioned the productivity of leisure time at home. His quip, “How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working,” was met with widespread backlash, with many calling it dismissive and disrespectful.

The controversy has reignited an ongoing conversation about corporate culture in India, echoing earlier remarks by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who suggested a 70-hour workweek as a path to progress. Padukone’s intervention has underscored the growing resistance to outdated work philosophies, with calls for companies to prioritize employee well-being alongside national development.

As the debate unfolds, one thing is clear: the fight for a more balanced and humane work culture is far from over.