L&T chairman's 90-hour work week stirs backlash, draws celebrity criticism

In a world where work-life balance is increasingly becoming a topic of debate, the Chairman of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), SN Subrahmanyan, has reignited the conversation, this time in a provocative way. On Thursday, his comments about advocating for 90-hour work weeks stirred strong reactions, especially amid ongoing discussions about workplace culture and mental health.

Subrahmanyan, speaking in what appeared to be an internal meeting, shared his view on work ethic in a viral video that quickly made its rounds on social media. His remarks?

"I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays, to be honest. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays also," he said, before suggesting, "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can the wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working."

The comments have struck a nerve with many, especially at a time when work-related stress and burnout are hot topics. Subrahmanyan’s words echo a controversial sentiment that has been gaining traction among some senior business leaders, urging younger employees to prioritize work above all else.

This isn’t the first time such comments have raised eyebrows. Back in October 2023, Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy sparked a similar debate when he called for younger employees to work 70-hour weeks, a stance that drew significant backlash from those advocating for healthier work-life balance practices.

The timing of Subrahmanyan’s remarks couldn’t have been more sensitive, especially after the tragic death of 26-year-old Anna Sebastian Perayil in 2024, which prompted a broader conversation across India about toxic work environments and the mental and physical toll of such demanding hours.

L&T’s official response

Following the viral backlash, L&T issued a statement attempting to clarify the Chairman’s comments. The company emphasized its longstanding commitment to nation-building and said Subrahmanyan’s remarks were in line with the company’s broader ambition.

"At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate," "The Chairman's remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasizing that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort."

However, the clarification did little to calm critics, with some seeing it as an attempt to justify unhealthy work practices in the name of progress and dedication.

Celebrity reactions and criticism

Among those speaking out was Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. She took to Instagram stories to voice her concern about Subrahmanyan’s comments, calling them troubling in the context of mental health advocacy and the importance of personal time.

Deepika expressed disappointment on this statement by posting on her Insta storiesDeepika Padukone's Instagram

Deepika expressed disappointment on this statement by posting on her Insta storiesDeepika Padukone's Instagram

Padukone’s reaction wasn’t the only one—television actor Nakuul Mehta also chimed in, taking an indirect dig at the L&T Chairman’s remarks. Without naming names, Mehta took to X and wrote: "What? He only works 7 days a week? Ridiculous behaviour by boomer generation."

The bigger debate: work culture in modern times

Subrahmanyan’s controversial stance brings to the forefront a deeper question about the evolving nature of work culture, particularly in high-pressure industries. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of overwork, burnout, and an often toxic corporate culture, the conversation around work-life balance has never been more urgent.

With prominent figures like Padukone and Mehta speaking out, it seems that the conversation around work culture—specifically around the dangerous glorification of overwork—will continue to evolve. The question now is: where do we draw the line between passion and personal well-being? And when does the pursuit of extraordinary outcomes cross into unhealthy expectations?

As the debate grows louder, it’s clear that this is a conversation that’s far from over.