National Award-winning actor Priyamani has entered the ongoing debate about working hours in the Indian film industry, offering her candid perspective on the traditional 12-hour shift system that dominates Southern cinema. Her comments come at a crucial time when the industry is reevaluating its long-standing work practices.
Priyamani's Take on Southern Film Industry Work Culture
While promoting the highly anticipated third season of her popular series 'The Family Man,' Priyamani reflected on the distinct work environments between Mumbai and Southern film industries. In a recent conversation with NBT, the accomplished actress revealed that she has adapted smoothly to Mumbai's creative environment while maintaining strong connections to her roots in Southern cinema.
The actress emphasized that the Southern film industries have consistently followed a 12-hour workday schedule for many years. "In the South, every industry usually follows a 12-hour workday. People have been working like this for years," Priyamani stated, acknowledging the established nature of this practice while the entire industry contemplates potential changes.
Work Hours Are Subjective, Says Priyamani
In another detailed discussion with News18, the National Award-winning star elaborated further on the subject, describing work hour requirements as "completely subjective." She recognized that flexibility remains essential in the creative field, noting that "There are times when you will have to adjust, which is okay, and you should make room for it."
Her balanced perspective acknowledges both the need for structured working hours and the practical realities of film production, where unexpected circumstances often require adaptability from all crew members and performers.
Deepika Padukone Sparks Industry-Wide Conversation
The discussion around fixed working hours gained significant momentum when reports surfaced that Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone had exited two major film projects due to her preference for an eight-hour work schedule. This development occurred particularly after she welcomed her daughter Dua with husband Ranveer Singh.
Industry sources indicated that Padukone's stance on working hours contributed to her departure from both 'Spirit' and 'Kalki 2898 AD Part 2.' The actress later addressed these reports directly in interviews with CNBC-TV18 and Brut, defending her position as reasonable within the industry context.
"I don't think what I'm asking for is ridiculously unfair, and I think only someone who's worked in the system enough will know that the conditions that we work in," Padukone explained. She further emphasized her willingness to challenge established norms, stating: "I have never shied away from challenging the status quo. If I can see that something can be different or better, even if there are systems that are age-old, I'm okay to ruffle those feathers."
The actress demonstrated remarkable resilience in facing potential criticism for her stance, adding: "I'm okay being abused at. I can very easily cut out the noise." Deepika Padukone will next appear alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the film 'King,' continuing her successful career while maintaining her principles about work-life balance.
The ongoing conversation initiated by prominent actors like Priyamani and Deepika Padukone signals a potential transformation in Indian cinema's work culture, balancing traditional practices with evolving expectations about working conditions and personal time.
