Vaani Kapoor, currently basking in the success of her Netflix series "Mandala Murders," has weighed in on the recent debate surrounding Deepika Padukone's request for an eight-hour workday. The discussion ignited after reports surfaced that Padukone's demand for shorter shifts led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit," where she was to star opposite Prabhas.
The request for an eight-hour shift by Deepika Padukone has become a talking point in Bollywood, with opinions divided. Some industry figures, including Vikrant Massey, Pankaj Tripathi, Anurag Basu, Vinay Pathak, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, and Mani Ratnam, have voiced their support for Padukone, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, especially for new mothers. Basu stated his support for flexible working conditions and prioritizing mental well-being. Massey said that, as a new mother, Padukone "deserved" an eight-hour workday.
However, others like Ram Gopal Varma, have dismissed the issue as being "blown out of proportion". Rana Daggubati noted the variance in work culture across different regional film industries in India and stated that "nobody is forcing anybody" to work particular hours and that it is "always a choice".
Kapoor acknowledged the debate, offering a balanced perspective on the matter. Without directly commenting on Padukone's specific situation, she emphasized that actors have the right to make choices about their working hours, but also highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy work ethic.
"It's a choice," Kapoor stated, referring to the ability of established actors to negotiate their work schedules. She further added, "But it's healthier when you have a decent number…" seemingly implying that while flexibility is important, there's also a need to dedicate sufficient time and effort to a project.
Kapoor's remarks come at a time when the entertainment industry is grappling with discussions around work-life balance and mental health. Padukone herself has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness, having founded the Live Love Laugh Foundation to reduce stigma and provide support for those in need.
The "Mandala Murders" actress also reflected on her own journey in Bollywood, noting the challenges she faced as an outsider. She moved from Delhi to Mumbai without knowing anyone and admitted to experiencing moments of self-doubt. However, she persevered, driven by self-belief and a hunger for good work. Kapoor emphasized that she never takes any opportunity lightly and always gives her best. She revealed that getting good scripts has not been easy for her and that she doesn't run after money or the perks of being an actor.
"Mandala Murders," marks Kapoor's foray into the OTT space, where she plays a hardened cop. She described the role as challenging, requiring her to convey deep emotions with minimal expression. The series has been trending on Netflix, marking a significant milestone in her career.
