‘Disappointing and Scary’: Jwala Gutta Criticizes L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan for Controversial Comments

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Former Indian badminton star Jwala Gutta has strongly criticized Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan for his controversial remarks advocating a 90-hour workweek, including Sundays. During an employee interaction, Subrahmanyan reportedly joked about employees working seven days a week, saying, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? Come on, get to the office and start working. If I can make you work on Sundays, I’ll be happier. I work on Sundays too.”

Reacting on X (formerly Twitter), Gutta wrote, “First of all, why shouldn’t he stare at his wife, and why only on Sundays? It’s sad and unbelievable that highly educated people in top positions don’t take mental health and rest seriously. Making such misogynistic comments and exposing themselves so openly is disappointing and scary!”

Subrahmanyan’s comments have sparked widespread debate about work-life balance in India’s private sector, drawing comparisons to Infosys founder Narayana Murthy’s recent suggestion of a 70-hour workweek.

RPG Enterprises Chairman Harsh Goenka also responded to Subrahmanyan on X, quipping, “90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional; it’s essential. Well, that’s my view! #WorkSmartNotSlave.”

Actress Deepika Padukone also weighed in, calling the remarks “shocking” in an Instagram story and adding, “#MentalHealthMatters.”

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