A recent report about Deepika Padukone's exit from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film 'Spirit' has sparked a significant conversation about working conditions in Bollywood. The reports suggested that the actress's demands, which included pay parity and a stipulated 8-hour work shift, were factors in her departure. This revelation ignited a widespread debate on the feasibility and justification of such working hour limits in the film industry.
Deepika Padukone's Firm Stand
Addressing the swirling reports, Deepika Padukone recently broke her silence during a discussion on mental health with CNBC TV18. She framed her stance as a necessary step for well-being, subtly pointing to a gendered bias in how such demands are perceived. "By virtue of being a woman, if that's coming across as pushy or whatever, then so be it," she stated. The actress highlighted a longstanding industry double standard, noting, "But it is no secret that many superstars, male superstars, in the Indian film industry, have been working for 8 hours for years, and it's never made headlines!"
Veteran Voices: Madhuri Dixit and Rani Mukerji React
The debate has now drawn reactions from other leading actresses, adding depth to the discussion. Veteran star Madhuri Dixit, with over three decades in the industry, shared her perspective in a chat with ANI. While acknowledging her personal work ethic, she firmly supported the right to set boundaries. "I’m a workaholic. So for me, maybe it’s different, but if a woman has that power and can say, ‘Okay, I want to work these many hours,’ then that’s her prerogative, and that’s her life... Then more power to her," Dixit said. She revealed that for her upcoming series 'Mrs Deshpande', she worked 12-hour shifts, illustrating the varied demands of projects.
Madhuri Dixit also commented on the critical issue of pay parity, linking it to broader societal struggles. "In any field, even in corporate businesses or anywhere, there’s always pay parity. Everybody is struggling for that, and everybody is trying to state the fact that women should be paid more — not more than the actor, but at least somewhere, you know, where it’s balanced," she explained.
Earlier, actress Rani Mukerji had also responded to the topic, offering a pragmatic view. She suggested that such arrangements are a matter of mutual agreement rather than a forced mandate. "These things are up for conversation today because maybe people are discussing it outside. But this has been the norm with all professions," Mukerji said. She emphasized the element of choice, adding, "I’ve also done it where I have worked for certain hours. If the producer’s okay with it, you go ahead with the film. If the producer isn’t okay with it, you don’t make the film. So it’s also a choice. Nobody is forcing anything on anybody."
A Watershed Moment for Bollywood?
The convergence of opinions from three powerful actresses from different generations underscores a shifting narrative in Indian cinema. The incident, stemming from Deepika Padukone's exit from 'Spirit' followed by her involvement in the 'Kalki 2898 AD' sequel, has moved beyond gossip to trigger a substantive dialogue. The core issues highlighted are:
- Work-Life Balance: The demand for regulated working hours to safeguard mental and physical health.
- Gender Equity: The spotlight on why similar demands by male stars are normalized while questioned when made by women.
- Pay Parity: The ongoing fight for fair and balanced remuneration across genders in the entertainment sector.
This public discussion marks a potential watershed moment, pushing the industry to introspect on its long-standing practices and move towards a more structured and equitable working environment for all.
