Actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has joined the growing backlash against Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s controversial comments on workplace culture. The remarks, which suggest employees should work even on Sundays, have sparked heated debates online about work-life balance and employee well-being.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Deepika Padukone shared journalist Faye D’Souza’s post about Subrahmanyan’s comments. She expressed her disapproval by writing, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. MentalHealthMatters.” The actor’s reaction has resonated with many, as she continues to be a prominent voice advocating for mental health awareness in India.
What Did SN Subrahmanyan Say?
During an employee interaction, Subrahmanyan addressed why Larsen & Toubro requires its staff to work on weekends, a policy increasingly uncommon in modern workplaces. However, his remarks took a contentious turn when he suggested regret over not extending workdays to Sundays.
“I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy because I work on Sundays,” he said in a video circulating on social media. Subrahmanyan further questioned employees’ use of their free time, saying, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.” These statements have been criticized for their tone and implications, with many deeming them dismissive of employees’ personal lives and well-being.
Online Backlash
The video has triggered widespread criticism, with users on platforms like Reddit debating the implications of such workplace expectations. Many have highlighted the importance of work-life balance, citing that demanding excessive work hours can lead to burnout and negatively impact mental health.
Larsen & Toubro Responds
In response to the controversy, a Larsen & Toubro spokesperson issued a statement, emphasizing the company’s commitment to nation-building.
“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,” the statement read.
However, the statement did not directly address the criticism surrounding Subrahmanyan’s comments on employee downtime and work-life balance.
Deepika Padukone’s Mental Health Advocacy
Deepika Padukone’s reaction comes as no surprise, given her long-standing advocacy for mental health awareness. After opening up about her own battle with depression, the actor launched the Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015 to address mental health issues and reduce the stigma surrounding them. The foundation has spearheaded initiatives such as “You Are Not Alone,” which focuses on mental health education in schools, and continues to provide resources for individuals seeking support.
By criticizing Subrahmanyan’s remarks, Deepika underscores the importance of prioritizing mental health in workplaces, highlighting how dismissive attitudes toward employee well-being can perpetuate harmful work cultures.
