Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit over an 8-hour workday clause and profit-sharing terms has ignited debate in the industry. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga responded sharply online, accusing her of playing “dirty PR games.”

Offering a balanced view, Rana Daggubati observed that work norms vary, noting that “nobody is forced” and “everyone chooses what matters to them”, as was stated by him.

He added that differing regional practices shape these expectations. Daggubati also remarked that filmmaking is viewed “as a lifestyle” in his experience.