The conversation around work-life balance and long working hours in Bollywood has gained renewed momentum following Deepika Padukone’s request for an 8-hour work shift after embracing motherhood. Adding her voice to the discussion, actress Hasleen Kaur, who was recently seen in Ranbir Kapoor’s Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, has expressed strong support for Deepika’s stance.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Hasleen emphasized the need for better time management on film sets.
“I think we all need to respect each other’s time,” she said. “We are making larger-than-life, time-bound projects, but let’s be honest—there’s a lot of time wasted on sets.”
According to Hasleen, more efficient planning could significantly reduce the need for excessively long shooting hours.
“If we manage ourselves better and cut out areas where time is wasted, we should be able to finish our work earlier instead of stretching days to 12 or 14 hours,” she added.
She also highlighted the financial implications of extended workdays, particularly for technicians.
“In India, technicians are booked for 12 hours. The moment you cross that, it becomes a one-and-a-half-day shift and they charge extra. This rule should apply to everyone on set,” Hasleen noted.
The actress believes increased accountability could encourage producers to stick to tighter schedules.
“When producers realize that extended hours mean more money going out of their pocket, timelines will automatically improve. At the end of the day, everyone deserves rest, time to unwind, and the chance to return to work refreshed,” she said.
Deepika Padukone on Working Conditions in Bollywood
Weeks after stepping away from Kalki 2, Deepika Padukone addressed the larger issue of working conditions and pay parity in Bollywood during an exclusive interaction with CNBC-TV18. She reflected on navigating such challenges throughout her career.
“I’ve dealt with this at many levels; it’s not new to me,” Deepika shared. “Whether it’s pay or working conditions, I’ve always fought my battles silently. Sometimes they become public, which is not how I’ve been brought up.”
She further added that dignity has always guided her approach.
“To fight my battles quietly and with grace is the way I know,” she said.
As the industry continues to evolve, voices like Deepika Padukone and Hasleen Kaur are helping spotlight the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable working practices in Indian cinema—especially as conversations around mental health, parenthood, and productivity gain prominence.
