Latest news with #ArabMediaSummit2025


NDTV
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
After Deepika Padukone, Pankaj Tripathi Has This Reaction To Actors Asking For Reasonable Work Hours
New Delhi: Reports of Deepika Padukone putting down her foot down and asking for an 8-hour work shift led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. This has been a trending topic for weeks now. In light of the ongoing feud between the actress and the filmmaker, several members of the film fraternity have shared their views. In addition to Mani Ratnam, Saif Ali Khan, Kajol, and Ajay Devgn, now Pankaj Tripathi too has shed light on the same. What Deepika Padukone's departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit had several demands posed by the actress that led to the decision. One of the requirements stated by Deepika was to get an 8-hour work shift, after which she asked to be paid for working extra hours. Now, recently in conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Pankaj Tripathi too has shared some similar sentiments. He spoke about why it is important to set boundaries and say "no" when it is needed. He emphasized why it is okay to not overextend work hours, once the commitment is fulfilled. He said, "Right now, I'm practising saying 'no.' Because everyone should know where the boundary is - that this is the line, and beyond this, it's a polite 'no.' Kaam mein khiche jaa raha hai. 16 ghanta -18 ghanta ho gaya main laga hua hoon. Main bol bhi raha hoon, actor jaa chuka hain. Labour ruka hua hain. (The work hours are getting stretched. I am working 16-18 hours straight. I'm even saying, the actor has left, the labourers are still waiting)." " Phir laga nahi, abhi toh aap vinamrata purvak bol dijiye ki 'Nahi, itna hi hoga.' Humne commit ye kiya tha, commitment humari poori ho gayi. Ab dhanyavaad. Jo bacha hai, kal karenge.' ( At this point, you should just politely say, 'No, this is all that can be done. This is what we committed to, and we've fulfilled that commitment. Thank you. Whatever is left, we'll do tomorrow')," concluded Tripathi. Mani Ratnam's Support Towards Deepika Padukone Mani Ratnam who is busy promoting his film Thug Life with Kamal Haasan, also addressed the work-life balance perspective recently. Speaking to NDTV, the director said, "It's fair if she's a young mother and needs to take care of her child, and she chooses something that will allow her to do so without any hindrance." Ratnam also praised Deepika's firm decision, "I think it's nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It's a very healthy sign." The filmmaker went on to offer a pragmatic solution, "If it doesn't fit into your film, move on. But they should be respected for what they are asking. They are making a very fair demand, which is absolutely necessary, so we should acknowledge it and see how to live with it." Support From The Film Fraternity Saif Ali Khan recently also spoke up on clocking comfortable work hours and returning home. Khan said at the Arab Media Summit 2025, "I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That's not success. Success is being able to say, 'No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with them.'" Last week, actors Kajol and Ajay Devgn also supported the actors' demand for eight-hour shifts, as they arrived for the trailer launch of Maa. Devgn said, " Most of the honest filmmakers would not have a problem with eight-hour shifts for new moms. Also, other than new moms working for eight hours, most people have now started working eight hours. I think it's person to person, and most of the industry understands." Background Deepika Padukone, a new mom, had made some reasonable demands to be a part of Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. Her assertiveness regarding a strict 8-hour work shift did not sit well with the filmmaker, which led to her being replaced by Triptii Dimri. Her other non-negotiable factors included not wanting to say her dialogues in Telugu. She also wanted a part of the film's profit sharing and was also not comfortable with certain intimate scenes being planned in the film. Soon after Deepika walked out of Spirit, Vanga put up a social media post, indirectly taking a jab at the actress and calling her "unprofessional." In A Nutshell Amid Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga row, several stars from the Indian film industry have spoken up on the importance of work-life balance. Coming out in support of new mothers who are in the acting profession, several stars have extended their agreement for an 8-hour work shift. Pankaj Tripathi also believes that there is no need to work extra hours if the commitment given initially is wrapped up within the stipulated time.


NDTV
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Filmmaker Mani Ratnam To NDTV On Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga Row: "Her Ask Is Fair"
Legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam has thrown his weight behind calls for improved work-life balance in the Indian film industry, specifically endorsing actress Deepika Padukone's reported demand for an eight-hour work shift. Speaking to NDTV during an interview about his film Thug Life, starring Kamal Haasan, Ratnam addressed the challenges faced by working young mothers. "It's fair if she's a young mother and needs to take care of her child, and she chooses something that will allow her to do so without any hindrance," he said emphatically. Ratnam also praised Deepika's assertiveness, "I think it's nice when women ask for what they want and get what they want. It's a very healthy sign." Ratnam's comments come days after director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, in what was seen as a jab at Deepika Padukone, accused her of being 'unprofessional'. Industry insiders said that Deepika Padukone, who was to work with Vanga on his upcoming film Spirit, had asked for eight-hour shifts so that she could spend time with her daughter, Dua. Reports mentioned that Deepika's insistence on eight-hour workdays led to Sandeep Reddy Vanga replacing her with Triptii Dimri, who he has worked with in his previous film, Animal. Padukone, a new mother, has been vocal about prioritising her family. When asked if the industry should actively accommodate such requests, Mani Ratnam responded affirmatively, "I think so." The filmmaker went on to offer a pragmatic solution, "If it doesn't fit into your film, move on. But they should be respected for what they are asking. They are making a very fair demand, which is absolutely necessary, so we should acknowledge it and see how to live with it." This development, sparked by Padukone's stand and now bolstered by Ratnam's support, has triggered significant debate within Bollywood about sustainable working practices, particularly for parents. Actor Saif Ali Khan recently echoed similar sentiments. Khan said at the Arab Media Summit 2025, "I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That's not success. Success is being able to say, 'No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with them.'" Last week, actors Kajol and Ajay Devgn also supported actors' demand for eight-hour shifts. Devgn said, "Most of the honest filmmakers would not have a problem with eight-hour shifts for new moms. Also, other than new moms working for eight hours, most people have now started working eight hours. I think it's person to person, and most of the industry understands." Mani Ratnam's endorsement signals that demands for structured schedules and family time, once perhaps unconventional in the film industry's round-the-clock culture, are now seen as not only reasonable but essential by influential figures. The conversation about balancing professional dedication with personal well-being, especially for parents, is gaining momentum. Thug Life, which reunites legends Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after nearly four decades, releases on June 5.


News18
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Saif Ali Khan Talks About Love He Receives From Arab Audiences: 'It's Very Special For Me'
Last Updated: Saif Ali Khan attended the Arab Media Summit 2025, discussing collaborations with Arabic media and talking about the cultural bond between India and Arab nations. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan, who was earlier seen in the streaming movie Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins, recently attended the Arab Media Summit, 2025 where he shared his views on the possibility of a collaboration with the Arabic media. The actor spoke at the event, and said that he has always felt a great connection with Arab audiences. The actor is of the opinion that India and Arab nations share a culture, a cinematic culture, and a bond with storytelling. He said, 'It's very special for me to be at the Arab Media Summit to look at the idea, to speak about the possibility of collaboration, and I really look forward to that because the love that Arab audiences give not just to me, but our film industry, is something that's so important to us and is so phenomenal, and I look forward to some kind of serious collaboration in the future". He also talked about the dynamics of the Indian film industry, and simultaneously, also expressed his connection with Arab audiences. The potential of a collaboration between the Indian media and Arab media seems interesting and exciting because of the cultural blend it could create, and also the creative fusion it can bring. On the work front, Saif was recently seen in the heist thriller, in which he shared the screen with Nikita Dutta, Jaideep Ahlawat and Kunal Kapoor. The actor also has a slew of interesting projects in the pipeline. All of them being big ticket entertainers. Saif Ali Khan is gearing up for the much-anticipated action thriller 'Race 4', a biopic in collaboration with director Rahul Dholakia, an untitled project with Priyadarshan, and another untitled project with Hansal Mehta. Meanwhile, nearly ten days after the re-release of Hum Tum, another popular Saif Ali Khan rom-com is making its way back to theaters! This time, it's Homi Adajania's 2012 film 'Cocktail', starring Saif, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty in the lead roles. The film is set for a theatrical re-release starting May 30, 2025. First Published:


Hi Dubai
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Women Establishment Signs MoU with Dubai Media Academy to Boost Women's Media Leadership
Dubai Women Establishment (DWE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Dubai Media Academy to strengthen women's leadership in the media sector and advance their professional development through joint initiatives and training programmes. The agreement was signed by Naeema Ahli, CEO of DWE, and Muna Bu Samra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, on the closing day of the Arab Media Summit 2025. The summit was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Naeema Ahli said the MoU aligns with the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of DWE, and supports efforts to build strategic collaborations that raise the visibility of women in key sectors. She highlighted that the agreement will facilitate joint programmes aimed at enhancing the media skills of women in middle and senior roles across Dubai's public sector. She also praised the ongoing partnership with Dubai Media Incorporated, noting its role in enabling women's advancement in the media industry. Muna Bu Samra described the MoU as a significant step toward deepening collaboration between the two institutions. She said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to empowering women and fostering leadership across media and other sectors. The agreement will see the launch of workshops, capacity-building programmes, and media-focused initiatives, equipping women with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving media landscape. News Source: Emirates News Agency


Gulf Today
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Arab Social Media Influencers Summit 2025 begins in Dubai
The Arab Social Media Influencers Summit 2025 commenced on Wednesday in Dubai, marking the concluding day of the Arab Media Summit 2025. The event attracts a wide audience of decision-makers, content creators and digital media professionals. Recognised as the region's leading event for social media influencers, the summit aims to spotlight the talents and expertise of Arab influencers across diverse digital platforms. The agenda for the final day of the Arab Media Summit features approximately 45 events, including media dialogues, workshops, keynote addresses and panel discussions. Among the highlights is a keynote address by Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, exploring the theme of: 'Media's Role in the Age of Algorithms'. Summit discussions shed light on the realities of social media platforms, highlighting inspiring success stories of how ideas have evolved from passion to global outreach and from ambition to entrepreneurial ventures. The Dubai Press Club will host the Arab Social Media Influencers Award ceremony, an initiative honouring individuals who have effectively used digital media tools to positively impact their communities. WAM