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Amid debate surrounding Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit, Saif Ali Khan voices support for actors prioritizing family time: ‘Success is being able to say…’

Actor Saif Ali Khan has offered a reflection on work-life balance during his appearance at the Arab Media Summit.

Saif Ali Khan weighed in on work-life balance as conversations swirl around Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit.

By: Entertainment Desk
Mumbai | May 30, 2025 07:32 PM IST

2 min read

The buzz around Deepika Padukone’s reported departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit has ignited fresh debate about boundaries and balance in Bollywood. While no official statement has been made, multiple anonymous sources have claimed that Deepika’s exit was prompted by what some insiders described as “unreasonable” professional stipulations, including a firm cap on daily working hours, reportedly limited to eight. The alleged reason behind the decision has divided public opinion. Amid the discussion, actor Saif Ali Khan has offered a reflection on work-life balance during his appearance at the Arab Media Summit. Emphasizing the value of presence over pressure, he spoke candidly about his evolving definition of success.

Also Read | Deepika Padukone talks about ‘shutting out the noise’ amid fallout with Sandeep Reddy Vanga: ‘Standing by my decision, collaborating with people I know I’ll have good time with…’

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“I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That’s not success. Success is being able to say, ‘No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with them,’” he said, highlighting the emotional toll of long work hours. “We get four holidays a year, and when my kids are on break, I don’t work. That time is sacred.” At 53, Saif says he’s reached a juncture where responsibilities are stacked on both ends. “I’m at that crazy age where I have to call both my mum and my children. You think it’s just your parents you have to check on, then you realise it’s both.”

More than milestones or movie deals, Saif Ali Khan emphasised the value of showing up in everyday moments. “Working is important, yes. But so is cooking pasta together, having a meal, and focusing on the kids. That’s the real glue of life. Success and privilege, for me, is being able to say no to work and yes to time with my family,” he added.

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