Bollywood is a universe of glitz, back-to-back schedules, and high-cost productions. But in the background of the glittering lights, actors usually suffer from long work hours that extend beyond standard hours. Deepika Padukone‘s insistence on an 8-hour work shift after giving birth reignited a raging controversy in the industry recently. Though some backed her, others like Genelia Deshmukh insisted that longer work hours are unavoidable in filmmaking.
This isn’t a discussion about Deepika Padukone alone this is about the bigger conversation regarding work-life balance, fair labor practices, and changing expectations of Bollywood celebrities.
Why Deepika Padukone Left Spirit?
Deepika Padukone was originally going to lead Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s next film Spirit along with Prabhas. According to reports, she dropped out of the project based on various reasons, including her insistence on an 8-hour work shift, Profit-sharing negotiations, A hefty paycheck that wasn’t going down well with the director, Refusal to mouth Telugu dialogues. After she left, Triptii Dimri was hired in her place, adding to the debate of whether Deepika’s demands were reasonable or excessive.
Genelia Deshmukh on Balancing Motherhood and a 12-Hour Film Shoot
Genelia Deshmukh, who is prepping for the film Sitaare Zameen Par, had her say. She agreed that working mothers have it tough, but added that longer work hours are easy. Talking to reporters in an interview, Genelia said:
“It is challenging, but it is not impossible. I do work 10 hours a day, and sometimes the director will want to extend it to 11 or 12. I believe it is reasonable, but we just need time to make those changes.” Her statement echoes the demanding nature of the industry, where performers frequently work overtime hours to keep up with production schedules.
Work Hours Need Balance: Chitrangda
Actress Chitrangda Singh too had her say, pointing out that an actor’s work schedule is based on his relation with the director and producer. She said “It is about the personal equation between an actor’s comprehension with the director, the need of a director, the need of a producer. If they are able to, I am sure they will cope. But sometimes there are limitations—restraint of time, restraint of money, scheduling, so it cannot happen.” Chitrangda’s attitude brings out the business nature of cinema, where time and money are the governing factors.
The Bigger Question: Should Bollywood Stars Work Fixed Hours?
Deepika’s insistence brings up a pertinent question: Should Bollywood stars work fixed hours? Unlike working in the corporate world, the film industry runs on strict timetables, where actors tend to work 12-16 hours a day. Certain industry experts contend that actors need to be able to lay down boundaries, particularly after motherhood. Others opine that cinema is a group activity, and strict work timings might distort production schedules.
Sitaare Zameen Par: Genelia's New Film
In the midst of this controversy, Genelia is gearing up for her next movie, Sitaare Zameen Par, a sequel to 2007’s Taare Zameen Par. The movie revolves around a basketball coach (played by Aamir Khan) who trains neurodivergent adults as part of his community service. The experience changes his life’s outlook. With 10 debutantes added to the cast, the movie is all set to be an emotionally charged tale.
Is There a Shift in Bollywood's Work Culture?
Deepika Padukone’s walkout of Spirit has sparked an important debate regarding work-life balance in Bollywood. While some stars, such as Genelia Deshmukh, live with long working hours, others, such as Deepika, support scheduled work shifts.
With Bollywood changing times, maybe the industry will learn to find a middle ground—one that balances creative pressures and individual health. What is your opinion? Should Bollywood stars have regular working hours, or is flexibility the secret to filmmaking?
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