Bollywood’s Deepika Padukone has once more ignited debate in the film industry by calling for a standard eight-hour working day, particularly for parents returning to work.
Padukone argued that the current culture of excessive hours has become the “norm”, and warned that many people wrongly equate long hours with dedication. She said that burnout should not be seen as a sign of passion, but as a serious problem that affects performance and well-being.
In her own production office, Deepika has put the eight-hour day into practice, with a Monday-to-Friday timetable. She also supports stronger maternity and paternity policies, and believes the industry would benefit if returning parents were given more flexibility, including options like bringing children to set when possible.
Reflecting on her own experience with motherhood, she said that while one can plan, the reality is often more chaotic, and without reasonable work hours, balance is very difficult to maintain. She called on the film business to be less disorganised and more respectful of its workers’ lives outside the studio.
Deepika furthermore highlighted a gender double-standard: she claimed that when male actors ask for reasonable shift timings, it is rarely questioned’ but when she does, it becomes news. She therefore urged for a fairer system, where everyone’s working hours are treated equally regardless of gender.
Her campaign has won backing from other corners of Bollywood. Actress Soha Ali Khan voiced support, saying that an eight-hour day is “a strong wish for many mothers”. Meanwhile, Genelia Deshmukh, who has herself worked ten-hour shifts, admitted that putting such a system in place won’t be easy’ but insisted that changes are possible with thoughtful adjustments.
Deepika’s advocacy is being widely seen as more than just a personal demand. Many believe she is pushing for a cultural shift’ one that would prioritise well-being over overwork, and make the film industry a more sustainable place for everyone, especially parents and new mothers.