Amidst the ongoing discussions surrounding Deepika Padukone's stance on demanding an 8-hour workday in the film industry, actress Banita Sandhu has voiced her support, emphasizing the importance of basic human rights and reasonable working conditions for actors and crew members. Sandhu, known for her roles in "October" and "Bridgerton 3", revealed that she faced backlash for standing up against grueling 16-18 hour shifts early in her career.
In a recent interview with SCREEN, Sandhu highlighted the significance of strong unions in protecting the rights of actors and crew, a common practice in Western film industries. She expressed her belief in 12-hour turnovers for everyone on set, stating, "We are not at war, we are making movies. I don't think anyone's mental health should be sacrificed for that. At the end of the day, it's a job and everyone deserves an adequate amount of rest and sleep. It's basic human rights."
Sandhu recounted her personal experiences with demanding work schedules in the Hindi film industry, where she often worked 16-18 hour shifts, followed by overnight flights, resulting in sleep deprivation for over 24 hours. She eventually stood up to producers, asserting that such conditions were unacceptable. "I told the producers that this is not okay. Maybe, I am blacklisted from that industry now, but I don't care. I just believe in standing up for what's right," Sandhu stated.
Deepika Padukone's reported demand for an 8-hour workday has ignited a debate within the industry, particularly after it was cited as a reason for her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, "Spirit." While some have criticized Padukone's stance as "unprofessional," others have lauded her for advocating for better working conditions.
Sandhu's support for Padukone's stance underscores the growing awareness of the need for reasonable work hours and fair treatment in the film industry. She pointed out that while the situation in Hindi cinema is improving, there's still a long way to go in ensuring the well-being of everyone involved in film production. She highlighted that early in her career, she assumed that long working hours were the norm, until she realized the importance of advocating for herself and the crew.
The "Bridgerton" actress's experience reflects a broader issue within the entertainment industry, where actors and crew members often face immense pressure and are expected to work long hours, sacrificing their mental and physical health. Sandhu's willingness to speak out against these practices and risk being "blacklisted" demonstrates her commitment to fighting for better working conditions and upholding basic human rights on set. The debate surrounding Deepika Padukone's demands and Banita Sandhu's experiences highlights the urgent need for industry-wide reform and the implementation of policies that prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved in film production.
