8-hour shifts in Bollywood: Deepika Padukone ignites industry-wide discussion

Without naming any actors, Deepika Padukone in a recent interview said that many male actors have been working for 8-hours for years which never made headlines, adding that some only work from Monday to Friday.

Actor Deepika Padukone has been vocal about 8-hour work day which had garnered attention online. There were reports of her being ousted from Spirit and Kalki 2 which then stirred a debate about the work culture in Bollywood.

An official announcement from the makers of Kalki hinted that Deepika's decision of working 8-hour shift might have been one of the reasons behind her exit from the projects.

"This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. After careful consideration, We have decided to part ways," the statement read.

"Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works. (sic)," the statement added.

The news had triggered a widespread discussion online as makers said the franchise "deserves commitment", leaving fans curious.

The Om Shanti Om star however, in a recent interview stood her ground and talked about her work shift demand. Without naming any actors, the star said that many male actors have been working for 8-hours for years which never made headlines, adding that some only work from Monday to Friday.

"By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it. But it is no secret that a lot of superstars, male superstars in the Indian film industry, have been working for 8 hours for years, and it’s never made headlines," she said in an interview with CNBC-TV18.

Further Deepika emphasised how its called the film "industry" but does not function like one.

"I think the larger issue is that while the Indian film industry is called an 'industry', we've never really functioned like one. It’s extremely disorganised, and it’s about time we brought in proper systems and structure," she added.

After Deepika's statement on work culture in Bollywood made headlines, many other female actors shared their part. Here is what some of the actresses said on the matter.

Actor Rani Mukerji sharing her perspective saying it is a choice, and it has been a norm with all professions. The National Award winner shared how during the shooting of Hichki, when her daughter was 14 months old, she wrapped up her work in 6-7 hours.

"This has been a norm with all professions. So I have also done it where I have worked certain hours. if the producer is okay with it, you go ahead with the film. The producer is not okay with it, you don't do the film," she said.

"It's also a choice, nobody is forcing anything on anybody," she added.

Actor Kajol too had shared her views and mentioned that she works on one film at a time, and post motherhood her family and others ensured flexibility in her schedules.

"I didn't work for 20 or 30 hours. I was always very clear that we would work a certain amount only," Kajol said.

Very recently Konkonna Sen Sharma, who has starred in films like Life in a metro, and Wake up Sid, expressed her views on work life balance in the film industry saying that things can change "through conversations, discussions, unions, a little bit of protest, and a little bit of adjusting."

Priyamani, who has starred in the famous series The Family Man also expressed her views, and noted that it is "subjective".

In an interview with News18, the actor said, "It is entirely subjective. There are instances when adjustments are necessary, which is acceptable, and you should accommodate that."

Deepika Padukone who has worked in several blockbuster films like Pathaan, Jawan, and Piku, and will be starring in King alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

The star will also be receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, making her the first Indian actor to get the coveted honour.