Kajol Backs Work-Life Balance Amid Deepika's 8-Hr Shift Debate: ‘Never Worked 20 Hours'

News18

14-06-2025

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Kajol said she never worked 20 or 30 hour shifts and was always clear about setting limits, with her mother supporting her stance.
Kajol recently mentioned that she has never worked for 20-30 hours straight and has always prioritised work-life balance since starting her acting career in the 1990s. This statement was made amidst reports of Deepika Padukone 's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. Reports claimed that the actress, who recently became a mother, requested an eight-hour workday- a condition that reportedly didn't go over well with the filmmaker. Now, Kajol has also weighed in on the debate over work hours in the industry.
While speaking with PTI, Kajol shared that she was among the few actors who focused on one film at a time, unlike other actors who worked on multiple projects simultaneously. She emphasised that she never worked excessively long hours and always maintained a certain amount of work, supported strongly by her mother. 'I was one of the few people who worked on one film at a time; I didn't do 4 films at the same time . I used to finish one film, then start another. I didn't work for 20 or 30 hours. I was always very clear that we would work a certain amount only, and my mom also backed me up big time on it," she said.
Reflecting on a similar situation after the birth of her first child, Nysa, Kajol mentioned that her husband, Ajay Devgn, and most producers were very supportive, accommodating her needs without hesitation. The actress recalled that during difficult personal times, the producers she worked with were extremely understanding, allowing her to wrap up early when necessary.
Kajol Recalls Shooting For 'U Me Aur Hum' And 'Fanaa'
Kajol recalled shooting for U Me Aur Hum in 2008 when her father was in the hospital and Nysa was just two years old. Ajay, who was the producer, ensured she could balance her work and personal life, allowing her to go home early so she could go to the hospital. While filming Fanaa in 2006, Kajol noted that everyone worked comfortably around her schedule without making it an issue or including it in the contract. She concluded that she has had wonderful experiences, with most people understanding and accommodating her needs.
Ajay Devgn's Stance On 8-Hour Shifts
During the trailer launch of Kajol's next film Maa, Ajay Devgn was asked how Hindi filmmakers are reacting to the idea of actors, especially new mothers, wanting shorter work hours. Ajay responded, 'It's not that it's not going down well with people." He added, 'Most honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. And apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight-nine hours shifts."
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