'How long can you stare at your wife': L&T chairman sparks row with 90-hour workweek suggestion

L&T stated, "We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realize our shared vision of becoming a developed nation. The Chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition."

The company further highlighted its longstanding commitment to nation-building, noting, "At L&T, nation-building is at the core of our mandate. For over eight decades, we have been shaping India's infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities. We remain committed to fostering a culture where passion, purpose, and performance drive us forward."

The controversy began after a video of Subrahmanyan’s comments went viral. In the video, he urged employees to work 90 hours a week, including Sundays.

"If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be happier. Because I work on Sunday also," he stated. He further remarked, "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife, how long can the wife stare at the husband? Come on, get to the office and start working."

Subrahmanyan also pointed out that China could surpass the United States, attributing this to Chinese workers' dedication of 90 hours a week, compared to Americans’ 50-hour workweeks.

His proposal surpasses Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's suggestion of a 70-hour workweek, which Murthy has defended by saying, "We have to work hard and work towards making India number one."

Murthy has previously expressed disappointment with India's shift from a six-day to a five-day workweek in 1986.

Subrahmanyan’s remarks drew severe criticism on social media. Referring to his "How long can you stare at your wife?" comment, one user wrote, "How long can employees stare at screens and fata** managers?"

Another called his statement sexist, saying, "Very irresponsible use of words by L&T chairman... to make statements like how long will you stare at your wife shows not only anti-family culture but is derogatory to personal choices."

Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone also joined the discussion, criticising the L&T chairman for disregarding mental health.

"Shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements. #mentalhealthmatters," she shared on her Instagram story. 
 

Subrahmayan also drew flak from his business fraternity.

RPG Enterprises chairman Harsh Goenka hit out at Subrahmanyan saying, "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!"