Mumbai, July 12 - A heated debate over work-life balance in Bollywood has been reignited after filmmaker Suneel Darshan publicly criticized Deepika Padukone for allegedly demanding fixed 8-hour workdays for her role in Spirit, a high-profile film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas. Darshan called the demand “unreal” and claimed that such conditions would make any producer “touch her feet” out of desperation.

Reports suggest Deepika had placed a series of requests for her participation in the project: an 8-hour working window per day, a substantial remuneration package, profit-sharing rights, and a refusal to deliver her lines in Telugu. These demands reportedly led to her exit from the film, sparking discussions about boundaries, professionalism, and motherhood in the film industry.

While Darshan’s comments have drawn criticism for their dismissiveness, other voices in the industry have rallied behind Deepika. Director Siddharth P. Malhotra questioned the backlash, pointing out that actresses like Kajol and Rani Mukerji have successfully worked on 8-hour schedules in the past. “What’s wrong with what she’s asking?” he asked, urging producers to either agree to the terms or move on.

Support has poured in from across Bollywood. Filmmaker Kabir Khan cited examples of male stars like Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar, who maintain strict 8-hour shoot days to prioritize health and productivity. He noted that fair hours shouldn’t be controversial but normalized. Actress Sonakshi Sinha echoed this view, stating that actors need structured hours not just for work-life balance but also to maintain their fitness, preparation, and overall well-being.

Neha Dhupia, a working mother herself, also came to Deepika’s defense, stating that the industry must offer practical support to new mothers. She called the 8-hour demand “reasonable,” urging the film fraternity to walk the talk on gender equity and humane working conditions. Actor Pankaj Tripathi added his voice to the mix, asserting that learning to say “no” to overwork is crucial for long-term health and career sustainability.

Musicians like Aditya Narayan and Kumar Sanu used the moment to open up about their own experiences with burnout and stress due to relentless working hours. Their support broadened the debate beyond acting, underlining that excessive work hours have long plagued creative industries.

While Deepika has not issued a detailed statement, she has made it clear in previous interviews that she intends to be selective about projects, especially after becoming a mother in late 2024. She emphasized her need to trust her instincts and prioritize collaborations that feel healthy, meaningful, and aligned with her personal life.

The controversy over Spirit may fade, but the discussion it has sparked could have lasting implications. It forces Bollywood to reckon with outdated expectations, especially for women and new parents, and consider how modern, humane working standards can fit within the film industry’s demanding culture.

As the divide between traditional production practices and progressive work ethics deepens, Deepika Padukone’s stance may well serve as a turning point, one that challenges Bollywood to evolve or risk losing its most talented voices.