Rashmika Mandanna, the actress known for her role in "Thamma," has recently shared her perspective on the ongoing debate about working hours in the film industry, sparked by Deepika Padukone's reported demand for 8-hour shifts. In a recent interview with Gulte, Mandanna admitted that she often overworks herself but does not recommend it to others.
Mandanna's comments come amidst discussions around Deepika Padukone's decision to reportedly step away from two major film projects because of her insistence on an eight-hour workday. Padukone's stance has ignited a conversation within the Indian film industry about the importance of work-life balance and sustainable working conditions.
While promoting her upcoming Telugu film, "The Girlfriend," Mandanna addressed the issue of long working hours and their impact on actors and the entire crew. "I think us glorifying the fact that we overwork is not good," she stated. She emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, saying, "I overwork, and I'm telling you, it's highly not suggestible. Don't do it. It's not sustainable".
The "Thamma" actress further added, "Do what is comfortable for you, do what is right for you. Get those 8 hours, get those 9-10 hours also because trust me that's going to save you in the later ages". She revealed that she has not had a full eight hours of sleep for months and believes that rest is as important as hard work.
Mandanna confessed that she tends to overwork because she doesn't want to let her team down. "I tend to overwork myself because I take on so much more than a normal human being can and should. But I'm also not someone who will tell my teams that I can't do something for them," she explained. She understands the pressures of filmmaking, such as location constraints and tight schedules, and often pushes herself to accommodate those demands.
Mandanna also expressed her desire for fixed working hours in the industry, similar to standard office timings. "Directors, lightmen, music, everyone, just have, like you know how office time is 9 to 6 or 9 to 5 or 9 to 4, let us have that," she suggested. She believes that fixed hours would benefit everyone involved in the filmmaking process, not just actors.
The actress stressed the importance of prioritizing family time, rest, and fitness. "I need to focus on family time, get enough sleep, and make time to work out so that later I won't regret not staying healthy," Mandanna stated. She also shared her thoughts on motherhood, expressing a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to protect future children. "I'm not even a mother yet, but I already feel I'm going to have kids... I want to protect them. If I have to go to war for them, I should be fit enough to do it. That's how strongly I feel about it," she said.
Mandanna's remarks contribute to the growing conversation about sustainable work practices in the film industry, highlighting the need for balance and well-being.
