Deepika Padukone Calls for Change in Film Industry Work Culture
Deepika Padukone has recently made headlines over her demand for an 8-hour work shift in the Indian film industry, especially after her exit from two major films, Spirit and Kalki 2. In a candid interview with CNBC-TV18, she addressed the controversy and highlighted a significant issue regarding gender bias in Bollywood.
Deepika pointed out that while male superstars have been working 8-hour shifts for years without any backlash, her request has garnered a lot of criticism. She stated, "By virtue of being a woman, if that's coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it." This statement underlines the double standards that often exist in the industry, where women's demands are scrutinized while men's requests go unnoticed.
She emphasized that it is common knowledge among the industry insiders that many male actors work only from Monday to Friday, taking weekends off. Deepika expressed her frustration at the disorganized nature of the Indian film industry, calling for a system that reflects a more structured work environment. "Even though the Indian film industry is termed as an industry, we have never really worked like an industry," she remarked.
The controversy surrounding her exit from Spirit was primarily due to her desire to limit her working hours to spend more time with her daughter, Dua. Unfortunately, her demands were not met, leading to her departure from the film. The situation escalated when Vyjayanthi Movies announced that Deepika would no longer be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, stating that the film requires a higher level of commitment.
Despite the setbacks, Deepika has moved on and has started shooting for her upcoming film, King, directed by Siddharth Anand, which features an impressive cast including Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan. She is also set to star alongside Allu Arjun in Atlee's upcoming film AA22xA6.
Deepika Padukone's stance not only sheds light on the gender inequalities present in the film industry but also opens up a dialogue about the necessity for change. Her call for an 8-hour work shift reflects a growing awareness of work-life balance, particularly for women in demanding roles. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how the industry will respond to these pressing issues.
