He asked pointedly, “Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this equation?” and urged the industry to recognize rest as essential, arguing that prioritizing well-being would improve quality, efficiency, and profit.
How the Debate Began
The controversy started when Deepika opted out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit due to disagreements over long working hours. She proposed a fixed eight-hour daily shift, which the filmmaker did not accept. She reportedly presented similar conditions for Kalki 2, causing friction with producers Ashwini Dutt and Swapna Dutt.
This stance drew mixed reactions across social media and the industry. While supporters praised her advocacy for work-life balance, critics labeled it “unrealistic” given the unpredictable nature of film shoots.
Celebrities Supporting Deepika
- Saif Ali Khan: At the Arab Media Summit, Saif emphasized the importance of family, stating, “Real success is when you can spend time with your family. I don’t like returning home late when my children are asleep.” He also highlighted his own efforts to stay disconnected from work during holidays.
- Radhika Apte: The actress, now a new mother, noted, “A normal workday is at least 12 hours, excluding hair and makeup, which makes it 13 hours. Travel adds more. The way work happens in India is no longer sustainable for me.”
- Pankaj Tripathi: He recounted 16-18 hour shoots, stressing the need for actors to set boundaries. He shared, “Actors are gone, only labourers are left,” and described how he now negotiates incomplete work for the next day.
- Vikrant Massey: Vikrant expressed interest in adopting an eight-hour shift in future projects, even willing to reduce his fee to make it viable.
- Mani Ratnam: The director endorsed Deepika’s demand, calling it legitimate and necessary, urging filmmakers to accommodate such requests.
Voices Emphasizing Choice, Not Imposition
- Rani Mukerji: Highlighted flexibility, stating, “I have worked short hours when needed. It’s everyone’s own choice—no one is being forced.” She recounted completing the film Hichki in 6-7 hours daily while caring for her daughter.
- Rana Daggubati: Clarified that working in films is voluntary, with actors free to set their schedules. He explained that shooting hours vary across regions, citing differences between Maharashtra and Telugu industries.
The Industry at a Crossroads
Deepika Padukone’s demand for an eight-hour workday has sparked a broader debate on sustainable work practices in Bollywood, balancing production demands with cast and crew well-being. While some see it as a game-changer for mental health, others question its feasibility, leaving the discussion far from settled.
The debate underscores a growing awareness of the need to respect personal boundaries in a high-pressure industry, though a consensus remains elusive
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