The debate around fixed working hours in Bollywood is once again making headlines. It all started last year when Deepika Padukone reportedly asked for an eight-hour work shift by director Sandeep Reddy Vanga in Spirit. The discussion soon turned into a larger conversation about work-life balance in the film industry, especially for actors who are parents.
Now, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ananya Panday have shared their thoughts on the issue. Both actors believe that the conversation about working hours and personal responsibilities is important, particularly for mothers who are balancing careers and family life.
The debate first began last year when Deepika reportedly exited director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit, which also stars Prabhas. Soon after, reports claimed that the actor had requested an eight-hour shift along with other conditions. The development reportedly led to her replacement by Triptii Dimri.
Kareena Kapoor Khan REACTS To The Situation
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Kareena Kapoor Khan spoke about managing work while raising children. The actor explained that clear communication with producers is essential before starting a project. She shared that while filming The Buckingham Murders in London, she informed the producers that she would need time to return to her children. Kareena also mentioned that her husband (Saif Ali Khan) was taking care of the children while she was shooting abroad.
Speaking about the larger issue, Kareena said actors must be honest about their schedules from the beginning. She emphasised that having a supportive partner also makes a big difference. She said, “So I feel like 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. You have to be honest. Of course, a few days might go haywire because there’s no way that some days something might not go wrong. You need to have that openness. Not everything can go as planned. So there should be that much flexibility, otherwise it’s very difficult.”
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Ananya Panday Defends Deepika Padukone
Actor Ananya Panday also came out in support of Deepika. She pointed out that the situation changed after Deepika became a mother. The actress said, “I have worked with Deepika, and before she became a mother, there was no such thing like that. 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. I think it’s okay to have a conversation with your producer to find a balance. It’s something that can be worked around.”
Meanwhile, actor Kalyani Priyadarshan also shared an interesting perspective from the Malayalam film industry. She revealed that film shoots earlier used to last for 16 hours a day, but the schedule has now been reduced to around 12 hours.
However, she also pointed out that filmmaking is a complex process and sometimes requires long working hours. According to her, cinema cannot be limited to very short workdays because several departments need to complete their work within a limited time.
Why Deepika Padukone Sparked Debate With Her 8-Hour Shift Demand
The controversy first surfaced in May 2025 when Deepika reportedly exited Spirit. Soon after, reports suggested that the actor had also asked for a share in the film’s profits and a fixed eight-hour workday. Later that year, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD announced that Deepika would not be part of its sequel. Some reports claimed that the fallout was linked to additional demands, including a pay hike, premium accommodation for her team and a shorter work schedule. The debate continued for months, with several actors expressing different opinions on whether fixed working hours are practical in filmmaking.
In November, Deepika addressed the topic in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar India. She explained why she believes an eight-hour shift is reasonable, especially for new mothers. According to the actor, an eight-hour workday is healthier for the human mind and body. She also suggested that bringing children to film sets should become more normal in the industry.
