
Before quitting Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, Deepika Padukone had already called for fixed working hours: 'That's also where I draw the line... I don't intend to burnout'
Deepika Padukone's exit from 'Spirit' over an eight-hour workday demand has sparked a crucial conversation about Bollywood's work culture. She has long advocated for fair schedules and better treatment for crew members, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance for mental health. Padukone believes fixed hours and fair overtime compensation boost efficiency and equity.
Deepika Padukone
's decision to step away from Spirit hasn't just made headlines—it's reignited an important industry-wide conversation. Her exit from the
Sandeep Reddy Vanga
film over her demand for an eight-hour workday has put the spotlight back on the long-overdue need for healthier work culture in Bollywood.
But Deepika's stand isn't new. Long before becoming a mother, the actor had been vocal about setting boundaries, championing fair schedules, and advocating better treatment for crew members behind the scenes.
In an earlier conversation with Film Companion, Deepika shared that her struggle with depression made her truly understand the importance of work-life balance and its impact on mental health. She recalled how overwhelming schedules once took a toll on her well-being, prompting her to set firm boundaries.
Deepika emphasized that prioritizing balance wasn't just a choice, but a necessity—one she's committed to in order to avoid burnout.
The actress also addressed the cultural mindset around self-care, pointing out how in India, especially in the corporate world, taking time off is often seen as unprofessional or lacking ambition. She firmly disagreed with this notion, stressing that one can be dedicated and driven while still prioritizing personal time.
After all, she argued, without rest and recovery, it's impossible to pour energy back into your work.
In the same interview, she also emphasized the need for fixed working hours, especially for crew members. As a producer, she expressed her desire to reform on-set schedules, challenging the belief that longer hours lead to quicker results. Instead, she advocated for adequate rest and downtime, believing it boosts energy, efficiency, and overall work quality.
Deepika also highlighted the importance of fair compensation for crew members who work overtime. She pointed out that while actors and directors often receive recognition and rewards, it's the crew that puts in the longest hours—arriving early and leaving late. She stressed the need for a system that ensures they're paid for extra hours on an hourly basis, promoting a more equitable work environment.
After Deepika Padukone walked out of Spirit, Triptii Dimri was cast in the film in the lead role, along with Prabhas.

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Time of India
12 hours ago
- Time of India
Before quitting Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, Deepika Padukone had already called for fixed working hours: 'That's also where I draw the line... I don't intend to burnout'
Deepika Padukone's exit from 'Spirit' over an eight-hour workday demand has sparked a crucial conversation about Bollywood's work culture. She has long advocated for fair schedules and better treatment for crew members, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance for mental health. Padukone believes fixed hours and fair overtime compensation boost efficiency and equity. Deepika Padukone 's decision to step away from Spirit hasn't just made headlines—it's reignited an important industry-wide conversation. Her exit from the Sandeep Reddy Vanga film over her demand for an eight-hour workday has put the spotlight back on the long-overdue need for healthier work culture in Bollywood. But Deepika's stand isn't new. Long before becoming a mother, the actor had been vocal about setting boundaries, championing fair schedules, and advocating better treatment for crew members behind the scenes. In an earlier conversation with Film Companion, Deepika shared that her struggle with depression made her truly understand the importance of work-life balance and its impact on mental health. She recalled how overwhelming schedules once took a toll on her well-being, prompting her to set firm boundaries. Deepika emphasized that prioritizing balance wasn't just a choice, but a necessity—one she's committed to in order to avoid burnout. The actress also addressed the cultural mindset around self-care, pointing out how in India, especially in the corporate world, taking time off is often seen as unprofessional or lacking ambition. She firmly disagreed with this notion, stressing that one can be dedicated and driven while still prioritizing personal time. After all, she argued, without rest and recovery, it's impossible to pour energy back into your work. In the same interview, she also emphasized the need for fixed working hours, especially for crew members. As a producer, she expressed her desire to reform on-set schedules, challenging the belief that longer hours lead to quicker results. Instead, she advocated for adequate rest and downtime, believing it boosts energy, efficiency, and overall work quality. Deepika also highlighted the importance of fair compensation for crew members who work overtime. She pointed out that while actors and directors often receive recognition and rewards, it's the crew that puts in the longest hours—arriving early and leaving late. She stressed the need for a system that ensures they're paid for extra hours on an hourly basis, promoting a more equitable work environment. After Deepika Padukone walked out of Spirit, Triptii Dimri was cast in the film in the lead role, along with Prabhas.


Indian Express
14 hours ago
- Indian Express
Deepika Padukone advocated fixed working hours years before walking out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit: ‘I don't intend to burnout'
Deepika Padukone walking out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film Spirit due to a disagreement over working hours– particularly her request for an eight-hour workday — and other professional terms, has sparked a significant debate in the Hindi film industry regarding work-life balance, especially for new mothers like Deepika herself. While Deepika made headlines for taking a firm stand on work-life balance, this isn't the first time the actor has brought attention to the issue. She had raised the same concern even before becoming a mother. In an old interview, Deepika had spoken about the need to streamline working hours, not just for actors but for the entire film crew as well. In a past conversation with Film Companion, Deepika Padukone had revealed that it was during her struggle with depression that she understood the value of work-life balance and the impact it can have on a person's mental health. She said, 'That's also where I draw the line in terms of my schedule. That's the only place where I could start feeling that I'm not enjoying what I'm doing. The only other time I felt like that was when I was experiencing depression, but that's very different because you have no control over your thoughts and feelings. Many years ago, I realized the importance of finding a work-life balance. I don't intend to burnout, I'm not going anywhere.' Sharing how in India taking time for oneself is not always viewed as necessary, she said, 'Somehow, in our country, including the corporate world, taking leaves or wanting time for yourself carries a connotation of being unprofessional, not hardworking or driven enough. And I disagree. You can be all of those things and still make time for yourself. How are you going to replenish and put energy back into your work if you don't?' Also Read | Sonakshi Sinha backs Deepika Padukone for leaving Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit: 'She did it for a fair reason'' id = '10083648' liveblog = 'no' ] During the same interaction, Deepika Padukone also advocated for setting fixed working hour limits for crew members. When asked what changes she wants to make as a producer, she said, 'Streamlining the hours that we work, especially for the crew. There is this sense that if you make people work extra and continuously, you get it done faster. My thinking is the exact opposite — people need to be given enough downtime and rest so that they come back with better energy. That'll help you work faster and better the quality of your work too.' The actor also spoke about the need to compensate crew members who work overtime. She said, 'Step 2 is to be compensated for overtime. Actors, at the end of the day, are going to walk away with the awards and the rewards, and so do the directors and everyone above board. The crew, on the other hand, comes in much earlier and leaves much later. Overtime may happen but we need to find a mechanism where they're at least compensated for that on an hourly basis.' After Deepika Padukone walked out of Spirit, Triptii Dimri was cast in the film in the lead role, along with Prabhas.


News18
14 hours ago
- News18
'Brad Pitt. That's it': Deepika Padukone Praises Actor After Watching F1
Last Updated: Deepika Padukone calls Brad Pitt 'That's it, that's the post' after watching his film F1, praising the actor's performance in Joseph Kosinski's racing drama. Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone couldn't contain her admiration for Brad Pitt following the global release of his much-anticipated racing film F1. On Sunday, the Pathaan actor took to her Instagram Stories to share a playful tribute to Pitt, simply writing: 'Brad Pitt. That's it, that's the post. IYKYK." With that cheeky declaration, Deepika joined millions of fans around the world in swooning over the 60-year-old Hollywood icon's performance as a comeback Formula One driver. Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former racing legend returning to the track after a decades-long hiatus in F1, directed by Joseph Kosinski—renowned for his adrenaline-fueled hit Top Gun: Maverick. The film, which premiered internationally on June 27, has already received rave reviews for its blend of emotional storytelling and visceral, authentic racing sequences. With Lewis Hamilton onboard as a co-producer, F1 doesn't just tell a story about racing—it feels like it's part of the sport. The film also boasts a powerful cast including Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, Tobias Menzies, and Sarah Niles. Bardem stars as Ruben Cervantes, Sonny's former teammate and now the desperate owner of a struggling team, who convinces Hayes to make an improbable comeback. As Sonny reenters the high-stakes world of Formula One, he's forced to confront not only fierce competition and a younger, hungrier teammate in Joshua Pearce (played by Damson Idris), but also the emotional wreckage left by the accident that once ended his career. The film's emotional undercurrents, layered with edge-of-the-seat race sequences, offer a well-rounded cinematic thrill ride. Adding to the intensity is a Hans Zimmer-composed score, featuring a pulse-pounding blend of electronic and orchestral elements. The soundtrack also includes tracks by Ed Sheeran, ROSÉ (of BLACKPINK fame), and RAYE, giving the film a cross-generational sonic appeal. With Deepika Padukone's subtle but unmistakable endorsement, F1 has found yet another spotlight in India—and Brad Pitt has clearly won another admirer. First Published: