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Bollywood Actors Demand 8-Hour Workdays, Sparking Industry Debate
19 Oct
Summary
- Deepika Padukone's 8-hour shift demand led to discussions on working conditions
- Ishaan Khatter says time protocols are sometimes "abused" on film sets
- Several industry figures have voiced support for flexible working hours

In the past few weeks, the issue of working hours in the Indian film industry has gained significant attention. This was sparked by Deepika Padukone's alleged exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film 'Spirit,' where she reportedly demanded a fixed 8-hour workday.
Deepika's stance has opened up a wider discussion on the working conditions faced by actors and crew on film sets. Many industry figures have voiced their support for her demand, including actors Vikrant Massey, Rashmika Mandanna, and Vidya Balan, as well as director Anurag Basu.
Now, actor Ishaan Khatter has also weighed in on the topic, acknowledging that time protocols are sometimes "abused" on film sets. Khatter stated that while it is a "privileged position" for actors to demand limited work hours, production teams should still be considerate of their needs. He emphasized that acting is a "work of passion" and actors often go beyond their scheduled shifts.
The debate highlights the long-standing issue of grueling work hours in the Indian entertainment industry. As more voices join the call for reform, it remains to be seen if tangible changes will be implemented to improve the working conditions for all those involved in filmmaking.