The debate around fixed working hours in the film industry has once again gained attention. This time, it brings together two different viewpoints from Deepika Padukone and veteran actor Saurabh Shukla. While Deepika had spoken strongly in favour of an eight-hour workday after motherhood, Shukla believes creative work cannot always follow strict time limits.
As discussions around mental health, burnout and work-life balance grow louder, the film industry is being pushed to question its long-standing work culture. However, opinions remain divided.
Deepika Padukone 8-Hour Shift Demand After Motherhood
Deepika Padukone’s request for an eight-hour workday has sparked widespread debate online. The actress stepped away from projects like Spirit and Kalki 2 due to her insistence on fixed working hours. Despite the criticism, she has stood by her decision.
In an old interview, Deepika talked to Harper’s Bazaar about how overworking has become normalised. She shared that her respect for her mother has grown after experiencing motherhood herself. According to her, planning work and parenting looks easy on paper, but the reality is very different.
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She also stressed that new mothers need stronger support systems when they return to work. Deepika said this is an issue she wants to focus on going forward.
The actress further spoke about burnout, explaining how exhaustion is often mistaken for dedication. She pointed out that eight hours of work is enough for both the body and mind. Only a healthy person, she said, can truly give their best.
Deepika revealed that her own workplace follows an eight-hour workday from Monday to Friday. It also has maternity and paternity policies in place. She added that child-friendly workspaces, including allowing children at work, should be normalised.
Saurabh Shukla On Why Creativity Cannot Follow The Clock
Jolly LLB 3 actor Saurabh Shukla has now shared a different perspective on fixed working hours. While he did not completely oppose time limits, he made it clear that creativity cannot always be controlled by the clock.
Speaking to India Today, Shukla said, “If you’re in a flow, I really think that suddenly, if you’re going half an hour or one hour beyond your working hours, then you should not crib about it because, in bargaining, you’re getting much more, that continuity of thought and continuity of that flow.”
He explained that acting and filmmaking depend heavily on emotional rhythm and creative continuity. Stopping work just because the clock says so can sometimes break that flow.
Shukla added that time limits are important, but they should not become the main focus. He said, “It (time limit) should be there, but that is not the main thing. The main thing is the piece you’re creating. Rather than focusing on the watch, that, oh! It’s 6 or 8, and I have to go home, focus more on the work you’re doing.”
On the work front, Deepika Padukone was last seen in films like Singham Again, Kalki 2898 AD and Fighter. She now has Shah Rukh Khan starrer KING, which is set for a December 2026 release. Deepika is also working with Pushpa 2actor Allu Arjun in Atlee’s upcoming sci-fi film.
