Did Farah Khan & Deepika Padukone Unfollow Each Other On Instagram After 8-Hour Work Shift Joke?

Mumbai: Speculation about a rift between actor Deepika Padukone and her first director Farah Khan has been growing, fueled by reports that they’ve unfollowed each other on Instagram.

Some linked the alleged fallout to Farah’s reported remarks about expecting actors to work long, continuous shifts, which supposedly upset Deepika, who made her debut in Bollywood with her film ‘Om Shanti Om’. Recently, social media users have shared screenshots indicating that Farah and Deepika are no longer following each other, intensifying the gossip.

However, Farah is not taking the chatter lightly and has responded to set the record straight. “To begin with, we were not following each other earlier, too!! We had made a pact during the Happy New Year shoot that we wouldn’t communicate on Instagram, instead, direct message and call. We don’t even wish birthday wishes on Insta because Deepika doesn’t like it. Also, my 8 hour comment wasn’t a dig, it was to make Dilip say that he will now also work 8 hours when he actually works just for 2 hours!” she told Pinkvilla.

“No one even knows I was one of the first few people who went to see Deepika when Dua was born, not everything is done for instagram and paps,” she added.

The filmmaker had earlier criticised people who are spreading such stories. “What rubbish ul write!! Pls find other things to do,” she had reacted to one such post about the alleged rift.

8-hour shift demand!

Deepika has been at the centre of attention following reports about her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’, reportedly over her request for an 8-hour workday. Recently, she also exited ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, a decision that took many fans and industry experts by surprise.

How the rumours started?

In her recent vlog, the filmmaker and her cook Dilip visited actor Rohit Saraf’s home in Mumbai. During the video, Dilip asked Farah about having Deepika on their show. Farah replied, “She’ll come when you go back to your village,” jokingly adding, “Deepika only films for 8 hours a day now; she’s too busy for the show.” Dilip retorted, “I’ll start shooting for 8 hours a day too,” prompting Farah to tease, “You barely manage 2 hours a day now, but sure, step it up to 8!”

The shift timings also found mention in her vlog at Radhikka Madan’s home, when the actor shared memories of her first audition for Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi. Farah asked, “I’m guessing it wasn’t an 8-hour day?” Radhikka answered, “It was 56 or 48 hours straight.” Farah replied, “ Aise tapke hi toh sona banta hai. (That’s how gold is forged—through intense pressure).”