In a striking contrast that highlights the ongoing debate about work culture in Bollywood, Ranveer Singh's recent revelations about working exhaustive 16-hour shifts for his upcoming film Dhurandhar stand in direct opposition to his wife Deepika Padukone's vocal advocacy for fixed 8-hour work days in the industry.
The Dhurandhar Work Ethic
During the trailer launch event for Dhurandhar, director Aditya Dhar made a startling revelation about the film's production schedule. The entire team, including cast and crew, worked consistently for 16-18 hours daily over a period of one and a half years to complete the ambitious project.
Dhar, who previously directed the blockbuster Uri: The Surgical Strike, expressed his admiration for the dedication shown by everyone involved. "Everybody has put their heart and soul into the film, and it doesn't happen very often," he stated. "From actors, assistance, HODs to spot dadas—everybody was like 'iss film ke liye jaan deni hai' (We will give our lives for this film)."
Ranveer Singh's Commitment
Ranveer Singh, the film's lead actor, echoed the director's sentiments about the intense work schedule. He praised Dhar's leadership and described how the entire team "worked out of their skin" to deliver what they believe will be an exceptional cinematic experience.
"When a person is so righteous in their intent, when he has a purpose behind telling the story, something great always comes out of it," Ranveer explained. "I also went along with it, faced every challenge along the way, and he was leading from the front with such passion that it was infectious."
The actor also shared a personal connection with the director, noting that both of them experienced significant life changes during the film's production. "We were at a very similar stage in life when we met for this film over the past two years. He had a baby boy. I had a baby girl and we worked out of our skin to make sure that our people, our team, our families, our audience are proud of what we made over here."
Deepika's Stand on Work Hours
Meanwhile, Ranveer's wife and acclaimed actress Deepika Padukone has been making headlines for her firm stance on implementing fixed 8-hour work shifts in the film industry. Her advocacy has been so strong that she reportedly exited two high-profile projects—the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit—when her demand for reasonable working hours wasn't met by the producers.
In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Deepika articulated her position clearly: "We've normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you're healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one."
The actress also highlighted what she perceives as a gender disparity in how work hour demands are treated in the industry. She pointed out that while many male superstars have been working 8-hour shifts for years without controversy, women face criticism when they demand the same working conditions.
Deepika has implemented her beliefs in her own office, where she maintains strict 8-hour work days from Monday to Friday with proper maternity and paternity policies. She advocates for normalizing bringing children to work environments, reflecting her commitment to creating healthier work-life balance in the industry.
Industry Implications
This contrasting approach between one of Bollywood's most prominent couples has sparked important conversations about work culture in the Indian film industry. While Ranveer Singh's commitment to Dhurandhar represents the traditional "all-or-nothing" approach that has long characterized film production, Deepika's stance signals a growing movement toward more sustainable working practices.
The timing of these revelations is particularly noteworthy, as they emerge simultaneously and present two very different perspectives on what constitutes professional commitment and healthy work practices in the demanding world of filmmaking.
As Dhurandhar prepares for its release with tremendous anticipation from fans, the behind-the-scenes story of its making and the concurrent advocacy for change by one of its star's family members adds an intriguing layer to the film's narrative, reflecting the evolving dynamics of work culture in contemporary Indian cinema.
