Ananya Panday Defends Deepika Padukone Over 8-Hour Work Shift Debate

Ananya Panday has come out in support of Deepika Padukone amid the ongoing debate in the film industry over 8-hour work shifts for actors after motherhood.

The discussion began after reports claimed that Deepika had requested shorter shooting schedules following her pregnancy. According to reports, Deepika had asked for 8-hour workdays for projects like Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Her reported exit from both films soon sparked wider conversations in the industry about work-life balance and flexibility for actors.

Ananya Panday supports Deepika’s stance

Speaking in a recent conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India alongside Kareena Kapoor Khan and Kalyani Priyadarshan, Ananya reflected on her experience working with Deepika in the past in Gehraiyaan. The actress said that when she worked with Deepika earlier, there were no such discussions around shorter shifts. However, she stressed that the situation has changed now that Deepika is a mother.

“I’ve worked with her before she became a mother, there was no such thing. She was working, coming for workshops, no complaints, no asking for anything. Now she’s a mother and this is what she needs — to kind of be present with her child during the first two years,” Ananya said.

‘It’s okay to have that conversation’

Ananya also praised Kareena Kapoor Khan, who is a mother of two, for helping change perceptions around motherhood and work in Bollywood. She said actresses today feel more comfortable discussing their needs and finding a balance between professional commitments and family life.

“I think it’s okay to have a conversation with your producer to find a balance. There’s no hard and fast rule like ‘itna hi karenge.’ Everyone is allowed to have that conversation,” she added.

Long shooting hours still common

During the discussion, Kalyani Priyadarshan pointed out that long working hours remain common in several film industries. She revealed that in the Malayalam industry, shoots can sometimes stretch up to 16 hours, with schedules starting early in the morning and continuing until late evening.

She added that weekend breaks are not always guaranteed either, making film shoots physically demanding for actors and crew members alike.

Deepika’s reported request has since triggered a broader debate about work schedules, motherhood, and evolving workplace norms in the entertainment industry, with many actors and fans sharing their views on the issue. ✨