Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding her request for an eight-hour workday on film sets, following her reported exit from two major projects—Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. In a candid interview with CNBC-TV18, Padukone defended her stance, highlighting longstanding gender biases in the Indian film industry.
Padukone pointed out that many male superstars have been working eight-hour shifts for years, often Monday to Friday, without weekends, yet their schedules have never drawn scrutiny. “By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it,” she stated. “It is no secret that a lot of male superstars in the Indian film industry have been working for eight hours for years, and it’s never made headlines”.
Her remarks have sparked widespread debate across the entertainment sector, with several actors and industry professionals voicing support. Konkona Sen Sharma emphasized the need for humane and regulated working hours, stating, “We are not neurosurgeons dealing with life-and-death situations. Of course, one has to take care that the people financing the project do recover their money, but it is equally important to remember we are working with human beings”.
Pakistani actor Iqra Aziz also expressed solidarity with Padukone, noting that her request was reasonable and aligned with global standards for professional work environments.
Padukone’s statement has reignited conversations about workplace equity, labor rights, and the treatment of women in the entertainment industry. Her call for structured schedules is being viewed as a push toward more sustainable and respectful working conditions in Bollywood.
