Actress Ishita Dutta has voiced her support for Deepika Padukone’s demand for eight-hour work shifts, arguing that actors should not be criticised or belittled for seeking reasonable working hours. Speaking about the issue in an interview with Free Press Journal, Ishita highlighted the challenges of balancing professional commitments with family responsibilities, drawing on her own experience as a mother.
The debate over working hours in the film industry gained attention in 2025 after Deepika’s reported exits from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. The discussion has since raised broader questions about working conditions, gender expectations and work-life balance in the entertainment industry.
Ishita Dutta Says Eight-Hour Shifts Are Not an Unreasonable Demand
In her interview with Free Press Journal, Ishita said that while production houses can decide whether to accommodate a request for shorter shifts, actors should not be made to feel unreasonable for asking.
She explained that some performers are willing to work for 12 to 15 hours, but that should not become a reason to criticise colleagues who seek different working arrangements.
“I’m saying giving it or not (8 hour shift) is your personal choice, so production can say no but making a big deal about it and trying to not justify it that is where the problem lies. There are a lot of actors who you can take, who are willing to work for 12-15 hours. But you can not belittle the other person by saying that this is unreasonable ask,” Ishita said.
Her comments underline the distinction between a production house declining a request and publicly portraying that request as unreasonable. The discussion also highlights how demanding schedules can affect performers differently depending on their personal circumstances.
Ishita Dutta Opens Up About Balancing Work and Motherhood
Speaking from her own experience, Ishita revealed that she has worked longer hours on film sets but has also received consideration from filmmakers who allowed her to leave early when necessary.
The actress, who is a mother of two, explained why having children can change a person’s perspective on working hours.
“You need to have a baby to realise how much of it goes. If you have the place where you can demand, I would also probably demand. I don’t think I’m there yet,” she added.
Her remarks reflect the practical challenges of managing childcare alongside a demanding acting career. They also suggest that an actor’s ability to negotiate working hours can depend on their position within the industry.
Ishita’s comments add another perspective to the discussion around whether film productions should offer greater flexibility to performers with family responsibilities.
Deepika Padukone’s Eight-Hour Shift Debate
Deepika Padukone’s reported demand for an eight-hour workday became a major talking point after her departure from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. The controversy prompted discussion about the expectations placed on leading actors and whether shorter shifts should be treated as a reasonable workplace request.
Deepika has also argued that male superstars have worked eight-hour shifts without attracting the same level of scrutiny. Her position brought attention to questions about gender equality, professional boundaries and the treatment of women in the film industry.
Several actors, including Sonakshi Sinha, Kareena Kapoor, Ananya Panday and Saba Azad, have also been cited as supporters of the demand.
At the centre of the debate is a broader question: should actors be expected to work extended hours as a standard practice, or should productions allow greater flexibility where practical? Ishita’s comments suggest that the request itself should not be used to undermine a performer’s professionalism.
Ishita Dutta and Drishyam 3
Ishita Dutta is known for her role in the Drishyam franchise, which also features Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran and Tabu. The crime-thriller series has built a strong following among audiences, making each new instalment a closely watched release.
The supplied report identifies Drishyam 3 as Ishita’s latest release and lists Jaideep Ahlawat among its cast. However, the film’s release status, cast credits and reported box-office collections should be independently verified before publication.
For now, Ishita’s comments on Deepika Padukone’s eight-hour shift demand have brought the conversation back to working conditions in cinema. Her perspective as a working mother adds a personal dimension to an issue that extends beyond individual actors to the wider culture of film production.
