Veteran actor Vidya Balan has openly supported Deepika Padukone’s call for flexible working hours in the film industry, especially for new mothers, acknowledging her own ability to work longer hours because she isn’t a parent.
The Big Debate Over Work Hours
The film industry is buzzing after reports emerged that new mom Deepika Padukone exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film, ‘Spirit’. The reason? A reported disagreement over working hours, with Padukone requesting an eight-hour workday.
This incident has sparked a wider conversation about the need for more adaptable schedules for actors, particularly those balancing demanding careers with new parenthood.
Vidya Balan’s Stance: Flexibility for Moms
Vidya Balan has now added her voice to the debate, firmly agreeing that new mothers in the entertainment industry deserve more flexibility. She highlighted that many other sectors are already adopting such practices to retain talented women after they have children.
“There is a conversation about how mothers need to have the option to work for fewer hours, flexible hours and I think that’s fair,” Vidya stated in an interview. “Every industry is adopting those practices so that we don’t lose out on new mothers or women in the early years of them having children.”
Why Vidya Works 12 Hours
While advocating for flexibility, Vidya also candidly shared her own working habits. She admitted that she typically works 12-hour shifts for her films, but clarified this is manageable for her because she isn’t a mother.
“I have to be honest with you on the kind of films that I do, we cannot afford to show for only eight hours and I am not a mother, so I have all the time in the world to be doing a 12 hour shift,” she explained.
An Industry-Wide Conversation
Deepika and Vanga’s reported conflict isn’t the first time this issue has come up. Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who previously worked with Vanga in ‘Animal’, also commented on the situation. She stressed the importance of open dialogue between filmmakers and actors from the outset of a project.
Rashmika believes that every film and its team should have discussions to figure out mutually agreeable working hours. It boils down to individual choices and clear communication, she said.
Deepika’s Demands and Departure
For those unfamiliar, Deepika Padukone was reportedly the top choice for the female lead in ‘Spirit’. However, reports suggest her requests for an eight-hour daily shoot, a share in the film’s profits, and the option to deliver her lines in Hindi instead of Telugu, were not met.
Following this impasse, Deepika reportedly exited the project. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga later posted an angry message on social media, which many believed was directed at the actress, though he did not name her. Triptii Dimri was eventually cast in her place.
- Vidya Balan backs flexible work hours for new mothers in the film industry.
- Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from ‘Spirit’ over an eight-hour workday request sparked the debate.
- Vidya stated she can work 12-hour shifts because she is not a mother.
- Other industry voices, like Rashmika Mandanna, emphasize pre-production discussions on work hours.
The ongoing discussion highlights a growing awareness of the need for better work-life balance, even in demanding industries like filmmaking.
