Deepika Padukone does not hold back when it comes to mental health and well-being. The actress, who has remained quite vocal about her own battle with depression and anxiety, once again spoke up against someone who dismissed work-life balance. This time, the Bollywood diva has publicly criticised Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan for his controversial remarks on workplace culture.
SN Subrahmanyan, during an employee interaction, suggested implementing a 90-hour-work week and expressed regret over not being able to make employees work on Sundays. His statement, which caused a frenzy on social media, was heard as:
“I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays… because I work on Sundays… What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, Get to the office and start working.”
Responding to this incident, Deepika took to her social media and posted journalist, Faye D’Souza’s Instagram story on the issue. The actress added her own scathing remark on the matter, saying:
“Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters.”
Subrahmanyan’s comments have reignited the debate on work-life balance, particularly as workplace expectations evolve post-pandemic. The Chairman advocated for a six-day work week and claimed that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort. He even cited examples from East Asian economies like China and Japan, where gruelling work hours are common.
SN Subrahmanyan’s remarks have sparked a controversy similar to the one that involved Infosys co-founder, Narayana Murthy, who suggested a 70-hour work week for young professionals.
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Amid the growing backlash, Larsen & Toubro issued a statement to Hindustan Times clarifying the chairman’s remarks. The company stated that Subrahmanyan’s comments were meant to emphasise the dedication required to achieve India’s vision of becoming a developed nation. In addition, the company reiterated its commitment to fostering a culture driven by ‘passion, purpose, and performance’. The company’s official 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. We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realize our shared vision of becoming a developed nation. The Chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasizing that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort. At L&T, we remain committed to fostering a culture where passion, purpose, and performance drive us forward.”
This incident once again underscores a broader conversation about the changing dynamics of workplace culture. Deepika Padukone, who has long been an advocate for mental health, was among the first celebrities to speak out on this matter. Having opened up about her own struggles with depression back in 2015, Deepika has consistently advocated for mental health awareness and also founded The Live Love Laugh Foundation to support those battling mental health issues.
What is your take on SN Subrahmanyan’s statement, and Deepika’s response on the same?
Also Read: Ameesha Patel Recalls Scary Fan Encounters After 'Kaho Na Pyaar Hai': 'Letter Written In Blood..'
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