The final word

The debate around fixed working hours in the film industry has resurfaced after Deepika Padukone reportedly sought an eight-hour work shift before exiting ‘Spirit’ and the sequel to ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ in 2025. Backing th actor, Kareena Kapoor Khan recently said work expectations should be clarified beforehand. “If you are married and have children, you should be able to say this is what I want. I can work this number of hours,” she told THR India. Ananya Panday, who was also a part of the magazine’s cover shooot, added that Deepika’s request came after motherhood. “I think it’s okay to have a conversation with your producer to find a balance.”

Last year Deepika Padukone had said that an eight-hour workday is sufficient for the “human body and mind” and urged the industry to rethink long working hours. She also called for greater support for new mothers, suggesting that bringing children to film sets should be normalised