Ashutosh Rana Backs Deepika Padukone's Call for Eight-Hour Work Shifts in Bollywood
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, renowned for her stellar performances and iconic fashion statements, recently sparked a significant industry debate by advocating for an eight-hour work shift. This bold demand reportedly led to her losing two major and highly anticipated film projects, as some filmmakers took offense at her stance. The controversy has divided both the internet and the film fraternity, with opinions split between those supporting the actress and those criticizing her move.
Veteran Actor Ashutosh Rana Stands in Solidarity with Deepika
Amidst this heated discussion, veteran actor Ashutosh Rana, a respected figure in Bollywood with decades of experience, has publicly expressed his support for Deepika Padukone. In a recent media interaction, Rana emphasized the detrimental effects of working beyond eight hours on an artist's creative process. He argued that excessive work hours can compromise the quality of output and overall well-being.
Rana's Insights on Creative Work and Time Management
Speaking to The Fresh Press Journal, Ashutosh Rana elaborated on his viewpoint, stating that "creative work should not be done beyond eight hours." He further explained, "If you want the best of the best, you must understand this. Eight hours is a good amount of time; work can be completed in eight hours." The actor, famous for his role in 'Sangharsh', highlighted that with proper pre-production planning and clear objectives, remarkable results can be achieved within this timeframe.
Rana pointed out that longer working hours often lead to stress, low energy, and other negative consequences, which ultimately "affect the quality of your work." He described it as a matter of energy and strength, noting that not everyone can sustain twenty-hour workdays and recover in just four hours. While acknowledging that exceptions might occur for a day or two, he stressed that it becomes problematic when it becomes a regular practice. "I am a strong believer in the idea that the eight-hour time slot should be mastered," he asserted.
The Importance of Pre-Planning and Emotional Recovery
Ashutosh Rana also emphasized the necessity of clarity and pre-planning in film production. He suggested that discussions about scripts, scene blocking, and planning should occur in the office rather than on the shoot location. "Not that once you reach the set, you say, 'Okay, let's do this - this scene wasn't there, so let's modify it like this.' If the captain of the ship is clear, then believe me, there will be no need to work beyond eight hours," he remarked.
Furthermore, Rana spoke about the critical need for emotional, mental, and physical recovery. Drawing an analogy to physical fitness, he noted that just as people are advised to work out three or four times a week and allow their bodies to heal, similar recovery time is essential for creative professionals. He mentioned that even on the sets of his wife, Renuka Sahane's movies, there is a strict adherence to time discipline and work ethics, underscoring the feasibility of such practices in the industry.
This debate continues to resonate across Bollywood, highlighting ongoing discussions about work culture, artist welfare, and productivity in the entertainment sector. As voices like Ashutosh Rana's add weight to the conversation, it prompts a reevaluation of traditional norms and the pursuit of a more balanced approach to filmmaking.
