Larsen & Toubro’s head of human resources, Sonica Muraleedharan, has come forward to defend the company’s chairman, SN Subrahmanyan, after his remarks about employees working 90-hour weeks sparked widespread criticism.

The controversy, which quickly escalated with responses from celebrities and business leaders, has been described by Muraleedharan as a misunderstanding rooted in misinterpretation.

In a LinkedIn post addressing the uproar, Muraleedharan expressed his disappointment at the backlash. “It is truly disheartening to see how the words of our MD and Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan (SNS), have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism,” he wrote. Muraleedharan, who was present during the internal speech, clarified that Subrahmanyan’s comments were “casual in nature” and were never a directive or policy.

The backlash stems from an alleged video in which Subrahmanyan suggested that employees should work 90-hour weeks to stay competitive. His comments included comments such as: “How long can you look at your wife?” and, “I’m sorry I can’t make you work on Sundays. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be happier, because I also work on Sundays”.

Muraleedharan sought to provide context, highlighting the president’s commitment to fostering a supportive work environment. “Treat all employees as part of an extended family, fostering a sense of unity and belonging that is rare in today’s corporate world,” he wrote. He described working under Subrahmanyan as “a transformative experience” and credited his leadership with imparting valuable lessons through every interaction.

The statements provoked sharp reactions on social media. Actor Deepika Padukone called them “shocking”, while industry figures such as Anand Mahindra and Harsh Goenka ridiculed the idea of ​​such a demanding work week. Comparisons were also drawn with Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, who last year called for a 70-hour work week.

Despite the criticism, Muraleedharan urged people to focus on the bigger picture. “Leaders like SNS inspire positive change and growth, and it’s vital to recognize their efforts rather than misinterpret them,” he said. She asked for a nuanced understanding of the president’s intent, emphasizing his track record of empowering and motivating his team.