Mumbai/IBNS, April 17 -- Bollywood actor and MP Kangana Ranaut has backed Deepika Padukone's demand for an eight-hour work shift, saying the superstar has "earned" the right to make such a choice.

In a podcast with ANI, Kangana said Deepika's current position in the industry and her role as a mother justify her demand for shorter working hours.

Kangana also reflected on their early days in the industry, recalling how both actors were once eager to work long hours to establish themselves.

Deepika has been at the centre of a debate over her reported eight-hour shift demand, which sparked controversy after her exit from Spirit.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga replaced her with Triptii Dimri.

She also made headlines for exiting the sequel o...