Deepika’s Working Hours Draw Flak; Director Says She Can Be Replaced

Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Workday Sparks Industry Debate; Filmmaker Calls It ‘Unrealistic.’

Deepika Padukone’s reported removal from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit — allegedly over her request for an eight-hour workday — has sparked a wider conversation on work-life balance in Bollywood. While many in the industry have backed Deepika’s stance, filmmaker Suneel Darshan has now weighed in, calling her demand “unreal.”

Speaking to IANS, Darshan said, “If an actor insists on an 8-hour shift, the producer must get it in writing that those hours will be fully utilized. Otherwise, it’s impractical.” He also warned that no actor is indispensable, adding, “There was a time when Deepika wasn’t in the industry. You will find many new talents.”

Deepika, who recently became a mother, is reportedly seeking a more balanced schedule to focus on family. Her demands — which included limited hours, a high fee, and a share in the film’s profits — reportedly didn’t sit well with the Spirit team, leading to her exit from the project.

Despite the backlash, Deepika has found support from within the film community. Actors Vikrant Massey, Rashmika Mandanna, and filmmaker Anurag Basu have all spoken in favour of flexible work schedules and respect for personal boundaries.

Rashmika Mandanna, during a recent conversation with Mojo Story, said:
“Flexible hours are being discussed across industries. These decisions should be left to teams to work out based on their needs. It’s a personal choice.”

As one of Bollywood’s leading stars, Deepika’s stance has reignited discussions around outdated expectations and evolving norms — raising a bigger question: Can Bollywood adapt to more humane work models, even for its biggest names?

Let me know if you’d like:

A short-form version for social or mobile

A regional language translation

A click-optimized headline package