Bollywood Reacts to Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Workday Demand

Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Workday Debate: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday and Supriya Pathak React

The debate around fixed working hours in the Hindi film industry has resurfaced after actor Deepika Padukone’s reported demand for an eight-hour work shift sparked widespread discussion. Several actors, including Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ananya Panday and veteran performer Supriya Pathak, have now shared their perspectives on the issue, highlighting the importance of work-life balance and communication between actors and producers.

Padukone’s call for structured work hours gained attention after reports of her exit from major projects reignited conversations about working conditions in the film industry.

Kareena Kapoor Khan Stresses Communication With Producers

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Kareena Kapoor Khan said actors should clearly communicate their expectations and personal commitments before a project begins.

She explained that actors who are balancing family responsibilities should feel comfortable discussing their working hours in advance.

“If you are married and have children, and as a woman, if you do not want to give that time, you should be able to say that this is what I want. I can work this number of hours. I think it’s completely fine to say that way before a film starts,” Kareena said.

The actor added that flexibility remains essential because film production schedules can change unexpectedly. According to her, honesty and open communication between actors and producers can help prevent confusion once shooting begins.

Kareena also shared her own experience while filming The Buckingham Murders, explaining that she had planned her schedule carefully while shooting in London so she could spend time with her children. She noted that family support, including help from her husband Saif Ali Khan, made balancing work and parenting easier.

Ananya Panday Says Balance Can Be Worked Out

Actor Ananya Panday, who worked with Deepika in Gehraiyaan, echoed similar views, saying it is reasonable for actors to discuss their requirements with producers.

Reflecting on Padukone’s situation, she said the actor’s priorities have changed after becoming a mother.

“I have worked with Deepika, and before she became a mother, there was no such thing. She was working, coming for workshops, no complaints and no asking for anything. Now she’s a mother; this is what she needs to be present with her child in the first two years of her child’s growth,” Ananya said.

She added that conversations about working hours can help create a balance between professional commitments and personal responsibilities.

Supriya Pathak Backs the Idea of Balanced Work Hours

Veteran actor Supriya Pathak also supported the broader idea behind Padukone’s demand, saying actors need adequate time to prepare and maintain balance.

In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Pathak emphasised that performers must be properly prepared when facing audiences.

“As an actor, I am the one facing the audience. And when you face an audience, you need to be prepared. If you don’t give me the time to prepare myself, how will I face them?” she said.

Pathak added that women often manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, making balanced schedules important for both personal and professional life.

How the 8-Hour Shift Debate Began

The discussion around fixed work hours intensified after reports emerged that Deepika Padukone stepped away from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit, which stars Prabhas. Reports suggested that her request for an eight-hour workday and profit-sharing arrangements did not align with the project’s expectations.

Padukone was later replaced by Triptii Dimri in the film.

Later in 2025, similar circumstances were cited in reports regarding her absence from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, further fueling industry discussions about working hours and professional commitments.

Deepika Padukone Responds to the Debate

Addressing the controversy in an interview with CNBC-TV18, Deepika defended her stance and highlighted the double standards surrounding working hours in the industry.

“By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as 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 8-hour shifts for years, and it’s never made headlines,” she said.

She also criticised what she described as the industry’s “chalta hai” culture, calling it disorganised and stressing the need for more structured working conditions.

Padukone added that advocating for better work environments is not new for her, noting that she has often handled such issues quietly while maintaining professionalism.

Industry Conversation Continues

The discussion around working hours has drawn reactions from multiple actors across the industry, including Kunal Kemmu and Ajay Devgn, reflecting broader questions about work-life balance, production schedules and evolving workplace expectations in the film business.

As more actors speak about professional boundaries and personal responsibilities, the debate over structured work hours in Bollywood continues to gain attention.