Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has criticised Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for defending its chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, after his controversial remarks advocating a 90-hour work week and Sunday shifts for employees. Deepika had previously called Subrahmanyan’s comments “shocking.”
L&T defends Subrahmanyan
Amid mounting backlash, L&T issued a statement addressing the controversy. A spokesperson released a statement which said that the company’s focus has always been on nation-building and that for over 80 years, they have contributed to shaping India’s infrastructure, industries, and technological growth. L&T said that they view this as India’s decade, requiring unified commitment and effort to drive development and achieve the vision of becoming a developed nation. The statement further defended Subrahmanyan’s 90-hour work week remark saying the chairman’s comments were made in alignment with this broader aspiration.
Deepika Padukone takes potshot
Responding to this statement, Deepika took to social media and shared a screenshot writing, “And they just made it worse…”
Deepika Padukone, known for her advocacy for mental health, had previously criticised L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s controversial statements. During an employee interaction, he had said that he regrets not making the employees work on Sundays. “If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays,” he had said.
He further added, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.”
Reacting to his comments, Deepika took to social media and expressed her disappointment on Instagram. “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #mentalhealthmatters (sic),” she wrote.
Subrahmanyan’s remarks have sparked fresh debate on work-life balance in corporate India. This follows similar backlash faced by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy for advocating a 70-hour work week.