Deepika Padukone and Jwala Gutta Criticize L&T Chairman’s Remarks on Work Culture and Mental Health
Deepika Padukone, Jwala Gutta Criticize L&T Chairman Over Remarks on Work Culture
Actor Deepika Padukone and former badminton champion Jwala Gutta have spoken out against comments made by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman S N Subrahmanyan, which have sparked widespread outrage online. The controversy began when Subrahmanyan made remarks about employees working on Sundays, questioning the necessity of taking time off to be at home.
The comments gained traction after a video surfaced showing Subrahmanyan stating he would be happier if his employees worked on Sundays. He went on to question how long one could sit at home and “stare at your wife.” These statements quickly ignited debates across social media, drawing criticism for being dismissive of mental health concerns and reinforcing outdated stereotypes.
Deepika Padukone, known for her advocacy for mental health awareness, reacted strongly on her Instagram Stories, describing the comments as “shocking.” Sharing the viral clip with her audience, she expressed disappointment over such remarks coming from a corporate leader. She added a sharp critique, noting, “Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements,” and emphasized the importance of mental health with the hashtag “Mental Health Matters.”
Following the backlash, L&T issued a statement attempting to clarify Subrahmanyan’s remarks. However, Deepika was unimpressed, sharing the company’s explanation on her Instagram Story and remarking, “And they just made it worse…” This reaction underscored her disapproval and reflected the sentiments of many who found the chairman’s statements troubling.
Adding her voice to the outrage, Jwala Gutta took to X (formerly Twitter) to share her thoughts. She openly questioned the logic behind the statements, writing, “I mean… first of all, why shouldn’t he stare at his wife… and why only on a Sunday?!” She called out the remarks as misogynistic and expressed her disappointment over such attitudes being held by individuals in senior positions at reputable organizations. Gutta highlighted the need for corporate leaders to take mental health and employee well-being seriously.
The incident has ignited a larger conversation about work-life balance, respect for personal time, and the pressing need for organizations to prioritize mental health in the workplace. Netizens continue to express dismay over the remarks, demanding accountability and a shift toward a more supportive and inclusive corporate culture.
As the debate gains momentum, the comments have become a stark reminder of the growing expectations for corporate leaders to set better examples in addressing critical issues like mental health and workplace equality. The controversy serves as a wake-up call for organizations to actively engage in fostering a healthier, more empathetic work environment.
