Narayani Shastri Breaks Silence on Deepika Padukone’s Exit from ‘Spirit’: ‘I Believe Women Should Rest After Childbirth’

Veteran actress Narayani Shastri has recently opened up about Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, starring Prabhas. Deepika’s decision to step away from the project has sparked widespread discussions, especially regarding work-life balance and the treatment of women in the film industry post-motherhood. Addressing this, Shastri firmly expressed her support for Deepika, stating, “I believe women should rest after childbirth.”

Deepika Padukone, who is expecting her first child with actor Ranveer Singh, reportedly stepped back from Spirit due to a number of professional requests. According to sources, she had demanded an eight-hour workday, profit-sharing, increased remuneration, and the ability to have her dialogues dubbed in Telugu. While some critics labeled her demands as “unreasonable,” many actors and filmmakers from the industry, including Narayani Shastri, have come forward to defend her.

Narayani emphasized the importance of a woman’s health after childbirth and noted that every woman’s recovery journey is different. “Some may want to return to work quickly, and that’s okay, but others may need to rest and focus on their physical and emotional well-being. That should not be questioned,” she explained. In her view, Deepika’s choice reflects maturity and responsibility, both towards her health and her family.

This is not the first time industry voices have stood up for Deepika. Earlier, respected figures like Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan, and filmmaker Mani Ratnam had also defended her professional stance. They asserted that requests such as limited work hours and fair compensation are not only valid but also essential for creating a more compassionate and progressive working environment in the film industry.

Shastri also highlighted how society still imposes unrealistic expectations on women, especially working mothers. She pointed out the hypocrisy in praising women for “bouncing back” immediately after childbirth while criticizing them for taking time off. “We celebrate women when they are multitasking, but don’t respect them enough when they choose to slow down and prioritize themselves. That mindset needs to change,” she said.

Currently, Narayani is making a television comeback with her new show Noyontara, where she plays two contrasting roles. She admitted that while she personally believes in taking time off after major life events like childbirth, she fully supports women making their own choices. “It’s not about right or wrong. It’s about what feels right for the individual. That freedom to choose should be respected.”

The conversation surrounding Deepika’s exit from Spirit has served as a catalyst for a broader dialogue about gender equality, workplace rights, and the need for a supportive environment for women in entertainment. As more prominent voices like Narayani Shastri speak out, it becomes evident that the industry is slowly but surely moving towards a space where women’s health, boundaries, and professional demands are being recognized as valid and necessary.