Bollywood actor and mental health advocate Deepika Padukone has publicly criticized Larsen & Toubro (L&T) chairman SN Subrahmanyan for his controversial comments about workplace culture. Subrahmanyan recently faced backlash for suggesting that employees should work on Sundays, a statement that has ignited debates on work-life balance and mental health in corporate India.
The controversy erupted after a video of Subrahmanyan’s remarks during an employee interaction surfaced online. In the video, the chairman expressed regret over not being able to extend 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.
Subrahmanyan’s comments took a further controversial turn when he questioned employees’ use of their downtime at home. He remarked, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you look at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working.” The statement has drawn sharp criticism for its tone and implications, with many arguing that it reflects an outdated mindset toward workplace culture.
Deepika Padukone, who has been a prominent voice for mental health awareness, weighed in on the issue by sharing journalist Faye D’Souza’s post about Subrahmanyan’s remarks on her social media. She wrote, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #MentalHealthMatters.”
The actor’s response has resonated with many online, especially given her extensive work in the field of mental health advocacy. Padukone founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation in 2015 after opening up about her own battle with depression. The foundation aims to destigmatize mental health issues and provide support through awareness programs, resources, and training for medical professionals. It has also launched initiatives like the “You Are Not Alone” campaign, which targets schools to educate students and teachers about mental well-being.
The backlash against Subrahmanyan’s remarks has also prompted a response from L&T. In a statement to HT.com, a spokesperson for the conglomerate defended the chairman’s comments as a reflection of the company’s commitment to nation-building. The 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.”
However, the statement has done little to quell the criticism. Many have pointed out that the chairman’s comments highlight a toxic work culture that disregards employees’ mental health and personal lives. The remarks have sparked widespread discussions about the importance of work-life balance and the need for corporate leaders to adopt more empathetic approaches to workplace management.
Deepika Padukone’s intervention in the debate has further amplified the conversation, drawing attention to the mental health implications of excessive work expectations. Her advocacy has been instrumental in sparking crucial conversations about prioritizing mental well-being in all aspects of life, including the workplace.
As the debate continues, corporate India is facing increasing pressure to address workplace culture and ensure that employee well-being is not compromised in the pursuit of professional success. The controversy surrounding Subrahmanyan’s remarks serves as a stark reminder of the need for progressive leadership that values mental health and work-life balance as essential components of a healthy work environment.
