Image Source of Deepika Padukone @ Instagram
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has openly expressed her disappointment over recent comments made by L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan regarding work culture. The remarks, which suggested that employees working on Sundays should not be a problem, have sparked widespread backlash online, with many questioning the implications for work-life balance and mental health.
Deepika, known for her strong advocacy for mental health awareness, joined the chorus of criticism by sharing a post from journalist Faye D’Souza on Instagram. She captioned it, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #mentalhealthmatters,” making her stance crystal clear.
The Controversial Statement
The controversy began when S.N. Subrahmanyan, the Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), made a statement suggesting that working on Sundays is not a big deal for employees. Many perceived the remark as dismissive of the need for personal time, rest, and work-life balance, especially in an era when burnout and mental health struggles are becoming increasingly common.
Subrahmanyan’s comments triggered a wave of criticism on social media, with users highlighting the need for corporations to adopt healthier workplace practices.
Strong Response by Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone, a leading voice in mental health advocacy, was quick to respond. Her initial reaction, shared through Instagram stories, called out the insensitivity of the statement. Her message, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #mentalhealthmatters,” resonated with many and amplified the conversation around the importance of mental well-being in the workplace.
“And They Just Made It Worse”
Deepika followed up her criticism with another pointed remark, this time addressing L&T’s official clarification on the issue. The company attempted to downplay the backlash, but their response failed to pacify the outrage.
Reacting to the clarification, Deepika shared her disappointment again on social media, writing, “And They Just Made It Worse,” signalling her dissatisfaction with the company’s handling of the situation.
Her statement struck a chord with her followers, many of whom expressed solidarity with her views and criticized L&T’s lack of acknowledgement of the broader concerns regarding work culture.
L&T’s Position
In response to the backlash, L&T issued a clarification, stating that the Chairman’s comments were taken out of context and emphasizing the company’s commitment to fostering a positive work culture. However, their response failed to appease critics, as many felt it lacked sincerity and failed to address the core concerns raised.
Conclusion
Deepika Padukone’s criticism of L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan’s remarks has sparked a significant conversation about work culture, mental health, and the responsibility of corporate leaders to promote work-life balance. Her strong stance reflects her ongoing commitment to mental health advocacy and serves as a call to action for companies to prioritize employee well-being.
As the conversation continues, it is clear that voices like Deepika’s are essential in challenging outdated notions and fostering a more empathetic and balanced approach to work culture.
