In light of Deepika Padukone's departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit" due to disagreements over working hours, Rajkummar Rao, the versatile actor known for his commitment to diverse roles, has shared his perspective on the work culture within the film industry.

The "Spirit" controversy ignited a debate about actors' working hours and the demanding nature of film shoots. Padukone reportedly requested an eight-hour workday, a share in the film's profits, and other considerations, which ultimately led to her exit and Triptii Dimri being cast in her place.

Rajkummar Rao, who is gearing up for the release of his new film "Maalik" on July 11, emphasized the importance of equality and mutual respect on set. While he didn't directly comment on the "Spirit" situation, he highlighted that there should not be any hierarchy on film sets. Instead, everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, irrespective of their role or position.

Rao's statement comes amid growing support for Padukone's stance on reasonable working hours. Several industry figures have voiced their opinions, including Neha Dhupia, Ajay Devgn, and Mani Ratnam, who have supported Padukone's call for fair schedules and better treatment for crew members.

Mani Ratnam, in an interview, stated that Padukone's demand for an eight-hour shift was a "rightful demand" and a "necessity". Ajay Devgn echoed this sentiment, suggesting that most honest filmmakers would not have problems with such requests.

Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who has worked in multiple film industries, shared her experiences with varying work schedules. She noted that in South Indian film industries, a 9 am to 6 pm workday is common, whereas Hindi cinema often involves 12-hour shifts. Mandanna also acknowledged that some shoots extend to extreme lengths, with actors working for 36 to 48 hours straight.

Pankaj Tripathi has also spoken about the need for setting boundaries at work. He shared that he is learning to say no politely when boundaries are crossed and emphasized the importance of not overextending work. Tripathi recalled feeling exhausted when work hours stretched to 16-18 hours.

Tanuj Virwani voiced his support for Deepika Padukone, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accommodating the needs of new mothers balancing career and family. He suggested that rules should be the same for actors and crew members to have a work-life balance, advocating for 12-hour shifts inclusive of breaks, with at least one day off per week.

Deepika Padukone herself has been vocal about setting boundaries and championing fair schedules, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance for mental health. She believes that fixed hours and fair overtime compensation boost efficiency and equity.

The debate surrounding working hours reflects a broader conversation about the need for a healthier and more equitable work culture in Bollywood. As Rajkummar Rao aptly stated, mutual respect and dignity should be the foundation of every film set, ensuring that everyone, from actors to crew members, is valued and treated fairly.