Ananya Panday has voiced support for Deepika Padukone amid the ongoing debate over 8-hour work shifts in the film industry.
The discussion began after reports suggested that Deepika requested shorter workdays for upcoming projects following her pregnancy, sparking wider conversations about work-life balance for actors.
Deepika, who recently became a mother, was reportedly seeking 8-hour shooting schedules for films such as Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Her reported exit from the projects intensified the debate about working hours and flexibility in the entertainment industry.
Ananya Panday reacts to the debate
Speaking in a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kalyani Priyadarshan, Ananya reflected on her experience working with Deepika earlier in Gehraiyaan.
The actress pointed out that when she worked with Deepika earlier, there were no such requests regarding working hours.
“I’ve worked with her before she became a mother. There was no such thing like that. She was working, coming for workshops, no complaints. Now she’s a mother and this is what she needs — to be present with her child during the first two years,” Ananya said.
She emphasised that it is reasonable for actors to have open conversations with producers about their schedules and personal needs.
Praises Kareena Kapoor for changing the conversation
Ananya also praised Kareena Kapoor Khan, a mother of two, for helping shift perceptions around motherhood and work in the industry.
According to her, Kareena helped set an example for younger actresses by continuing to work actively after becoming a parent. She added that discussions about schedules and work-life balance should remain flexible rather than rigid.
“I think it’s okay to have that conversation with your producer and find a balance. There’s no hard and fast rule — everyone should be allowed to discuss what works for them,” she said.
Long working hours still common in the industry
During the discussion, Kalyani Priyadarshan highlighted how demanding shooting schedules can be, particularly in the Malayalam film industry.
She explained that workdays can sometimes stretch up to 16 hours, with shoots beginning as early as 6 am and continuing until late evening. In some cases, production schedules also run without regular weekend breaks, making the workload intense for actors and crew members alike.
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