Deepika Padukone advocates 8-hour workday in Indian film industry amid protests

In a candid conversation with CNBC-TV18 Managing Editor Shereen Bhan, actress Deepika Padukone talked about her efforts to improve working conditions in the Indian film industry, emphasizing the need for an eight-hour workday, which is a norm for male actors but rarely accepted for women.

Padukone revealed that many male superstars maintain eight-hour workdays from Monday to Friday, without any headlines, for long periods of time.

She addressed the public pushback, saying, “If it’s going to come across as pushback as a woman, then so be it.” “It’s no secret that many male superstars have been working eight-hour days for years.”

He criticized the entrenched influence of industry “let it be” (let it be) cultureCalled it disorganized and unstructured, and stressed the urgent need for systemic change.

“Although the industry is called an industry, we have never really worked like an industry,” he said, highlighting basic issues like long working hours, poor conditions and even food.

Padukone said some women, including new mothers, have started working eight-hour days, but without public scrutiny.

“I’m not sure I’m the only voice,” she admitted, remaining steadfast in her pursuit of fairness.

When asked if she was willing to pay a price for advocating for change, she replied, “I have done so on many levels… I have always fought my battles quietly, and sometimes they become public, which I don’t know about.”

What was the reason for Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit and Kalki in 2898 AD?

His demand for an eight-hour workday reportedly led to his being dropped from two films, Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD Part 2. He reportedly requested reduced hours, a 25% pay increase, and special accommodations, which producers deemed unreasonable.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga replaced him in Spirit, reportedly pointing to a breach of trust and a possible script leak. The reason given for his exit from Kalki was “lack of partnership and commitment”.

The controversy sparked debate over gender discrimination, with supporters supporting her calls for better conditions, while others described her demands as unrealistic.

In a broader context, when corporate India debates long working hours, Deepika Padukone has a strong answer Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subramaniam calls for 90-hour work weekCalled it “shocking” and underlined the importance of mental health.