Deepika Padukone Should working hours change in Bollywood?

Deepika Padukone and Hansal Mehta demand flexible shifts and better working hours

Deepika’s 8-hour claim

Deepika Padukone recently demanded an eight-hour work shift, citing her priority as a new mother.

She explained that many major male stars already work only eight hours and take a rest on weekends.

This was not considered an issue, but when a woman makes this demand, she is labeled as “pushy” or “tyrannical.”

Hansal Mehta’s Voice

Director Hansal Mehta also addressed this unhealthy trend of working 12 hours in the film industry, calling it a “shift.”

He explains that between chaotic shoot schedules, long commutes, half-cooked meals, and broken sleep, we can’t fit our health in.

He raises the question: Is there any room left for mental and physical well-being?

Condition of Daily Wage Workers

Daily wage workers are the most affected, toiling all day.

• Arriving first and returning last
• Working without adequate breaks
• Standing for hours or struggling with heavy equipment
• Spending days in conditions beyond humanity

Mehta says this monotony has spread across TV, OTT, and films.

Why is rest important?

Everyone needs adequate sleep, regular meals, and mental peace.

When those at the core are under pressure, the entire system collapses.

Quality and profits only increase when the team is healthy and energetic. Rest-scoffing must be stopped completely.

What will happen now?

Change in Bollywood is possible only if:

1. Production houses implement new rules on working hours
2. Star casts also raise standards
3. Workers receive fair wages and breaks
4. Responsibility and accountability are established at all levels

If these systemic changes don’t occur, hardworking people will continue to suffer and the industry will lose momentum.

Our Challenge

Will we be able to understand that ‘shift’ isn’t just a word, it’s our life? The time has come to treat rest as a right, not a luxury.

What do you think the next step should be?