The debate around 8-hour work shifts in Bollywood has been reignited following reports of Deepika Padukone's demand for such a schedule, which allegedly led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film, Spirit. Now, veteran actress Madhuri Dixit has weighed in on the matter, offering her perspective on balancing work and personal life in the film industry.
Speaking to ANI, Madhuri Dixit addressed the ongoing discussion, stating, "The thing is that when we did 'Mrs. Deshpande', we were working 12-hour shifts every day, like maybe more sometimes... So, I think to each his own". She emphasized that the choice of work hours is a personal one and that actors should not feel pressured to conform to a set standard.
Dixit, who is preparing for the release of her upcoming series Mrs. Deshpande on JioHotstar on December 19, reflected on her own experiences in the industry. "I'm a workaholic," she confessed. "So for me, maybe it's different, but if a woman has that power and can say, 'Okay, I want to work these many hours,' then that's her prerogative, and that's her life, and that's how she wants to do it… Then more power to her".
The actress, known for her iconic roles in films like Dil, Beta, and Dil To Pagal Hai, highlighted that if a woman has the ability to define her work hours, it should be respected. She has been a part of the film industry for over four decades.
Deepika Padukone's reported demand for an 8-hour shift and pay parity in film projects has sparked considerable debate within the industry. Padukone herself addressed the issue of work hours and gender dynamics, stating, "By virtue of being a woman, if that's coming across as pushy or whatever, then so be it. But it is no secret that many superstars, male superstars, in the Indian film industry, have been working for 8 hours for years, and it's never made headlines!".
Madhuri Dixit also commented on the issue of pay parity, a topic closely linked to the discussion on working conditions. "In any field, even in corporate businesses or anywhere, there's always pay parity," she observed.
The views of Madhuri Dixit and Deepika Padukone add to the ongoing industry discussion about flexible work hours. Some advocate for more structured schedules, while others believe it should remain a personal choice. Actress Rani Mukerji has also shared her perspective, noting that flexible working hours have traditionally been based on mutual understanding between actors and producers. "These things are up for conversation today because maybe people are discussing it outside. But this has been the norm with all professions. I've also done it where I have worked for certain hours," Mukerji stated.
