Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has broken his silence on the severe criticism he faced after suggesting employees should work 90 hours a week, including Sundays.

The comment, which sparked outrage earlier this year, continues to follow him, with the top executive admitting that his words could have been chosen more carefully.

Mr Subrahmanyan revealed that even his wife was deeply troubled when her name was dragged into the storm that followed.

He explained, “It was a casual answer. I was not even aware that I was being recorded. In hindsight, I could have answered differently. Normally, I speak in an easy manner, that’s my style.”

What led to the comment?

Clarifying his position, the L&T chief said his remarks came during a period of immense strain, when project delays and concerns from clients weighed heavily on him.

“Five or six clients, including some very high-profile ones, reached out to me through calls and emails, raising concerns about progress,” he said.

“I was worried because we were struggling to mobilise staff and labour, and work was not happening the way it should.”

Despite his personal involvement, Mr Subrahmanyan admitted the projects were still not moving forward as expected.

“The situation was different at that time, and the company was not delivering results as expected. It was not good to be called out at that level. It doesn’t reflect well on me or the organisation,” he stated.

When asked if his response would change now, Mr Subrahmanyan admitted the incident had stayed on his mind.

“It has not been easy. It has preyed on my mind. But what happened, happened. I cannot withdraw it now. If a similar question comes in a similar mood, maybe I’ll answer differently,” he said.

He added, “And performance is our oxygen. When it goes wrong, things come out in that manner. Things could have come out differently if I had said it more carefully.”

What was his original statement?

The controversy traces back to comments he made in January this year, where he compared work cultures in different countries.

He had said that while Chinese workers put in 90 hours a week and Americans around 50, India should emulate China to surpass the United States.

But the remarks that fuelled widespread backlash were more personal, “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.”

Mr Subrahmanyan further added: “If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays also.”