The film industry, particularly Bollywood, is under scrutiny for its demanding work culture and its impact on working mothers. This debate has been amplified by recent events, including Deepika Padukone's departure from the film 'Spirit' and Radhika Apte's candid remarks about the challenges of balancing motherhood and a career in the film industry.
Deepika Padukone's exit from 'Spirit', directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas, has sparked a significant discussion about the industry's flexibility towards actors, especially mothers. Reports suggest that Padukone requested an eight-hour workday, a demand that was reportedly not met. Some reports indicated that remuneration disagreements also played a part. While some reports claimed that Padukone's demands were deemed "unprofessional", others have defended her right to prioritize her needs as a working mother. In the aftermath, there were reports of a fallout between Padukone and Vanga, with accusations of "dirty PR games" being played. Ultimately, Triptii Dimri replaced Padukone in the film. Padukone has stated that remuneration disagreements were the reason she left the project.
Adding to this discourse, Radhika Apte, who recently embraced motherhood, has voiced her concerns about the film industry's conduciveness to new mothers. Apte, known for her roles in films like "Andhadhun" and "Lust Stories", spoke about the difficulties of navigating the industry's long hours and demanding schedules while raising a child. "It's really difficult to work in our film industry, given the number of hours and how we film generally, and the time for which we don't get to see the child," Apte stated. She also confessed, "I don't think they are. I don't know how I'm going to navigate that going ahead," when asked if the film industry is accepting of the needs of new moms.
Apte's comments resonate with many working mothers in the industry who struggle to balance their professional and personal lives. Apte had a remarkably short maternity leave, returning to work just a week after her daughter's birth. She shared a picture attending a virtual work meeting while breastfeeding, highlighting her immediate return to professional life. The actress has been splitting her time between Mumbai and London, further complicating the matter.
The challenges faced by working mothers in Bollywood are not new. The industry's long and unpredictable hours, coupled with the pressure to maintain a public image, can make it difficult for women to balance their careers with motherhood. The traditional portrayal of mothers in Bollywood has also contributed to the problem, often depicting them as self-sacrificing figures who prioritize their families above all else. However, there is a growing recognition of the need for more realistic and nuanced portrayals of motherhood, as well as greater support for working mothers in the industry.
Some industry figures have voiced support for creating a more conducive environment for working mothers. Actor-producer Ajay Devgn, at a recent event, defended the industry, claiming shorter shifts are now common for everyone and advocated that shorter 8-9 hour shifts should become the norm. Saif Ali Khan has also spoken in favor of prioritizing family time, noting the difficulty of balancing professional commitments with family moments.
Radhika Apte's journey reflects a broader shift in her career. Even before embracing motherhood, Apte found herself dissatisfied with the acting roles coming her way, which led her to explore screenwriting and directing. She directed the short film "The Sleepwalkers", expressing a desire to explore subjects not offered to her as an actor.
The ongoing debate surrounding Deepika Padukone and Radhika Apte highlights the need for a more significant conversation about the challenges faced by working mothers in the film industry. As more women take on leading roles both on and off-screen, it is crucial to create a supportive and flexible environment that allows them to thrive in their careers while also fulfilling their responsibilities as mothers.
