The long-standing culture of marathon shooting schedules in Bollywood is facing a new wave of scrutiny. During a recent roundtable with The Hollywood Reporter India, leading actresses Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ananya Panday officially joined the conversation, defending Deepika Padukone’s stance on fixed working hours following the birth of her daughter, Dua.
The Context of the Controversy
The discussion gained momentum after reports surfaced that Deepika Padukone had potentially exited high-profile projects, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, due to scheduling preferences. Deepika has since advocated for the normalization of the eight-hour shift, noting that “male superstars” have maintained such schedules for years without facing public criticism.
Kareena Kapoor Khan: “It’s About Honesty and Planning”
Kareena Kapoor Khan—a mother of two who has consistently balanced a high-profile career—emphasized that transparency with producers is the foundation of a healthy work environment.
“I feel like if you are married and have children, and as a woman, if you do not want to give that [extra] time, you should be able to say that this is what I want,” Kareena stated.
She shared her own experience filming The Buckingham Murders, where she coordinated with her husband, Saif Ali Khan, to ensure their children were never left alone. Kareena argued that establishing boundaries is not about being “difficult,” but about professional planning that allows a woman to return home to her family.
Ananya Panday: Supporting the New Mother’s Journey
Ananya Panday, who worked closely with Deepika in Gehraiyaan, highlighted that a mother’s priorities naturally shift. She pointed out that Deepika’s professional rigour has never been in doubt, but her current needs are different.
“I have worked with Deepika, and before she became a mother, there was no such thing. She was working, coming for workshops, no complaints,” Ananya remarked. “Now she’s a mother, and this is what she needs to be present with her child. I think it’s okay to have a conversation with your producer to find a balance.”
Ananya also credited Kareena for “changing the game” for the generation of actresses following her, proving that motherhood and a peak career are compatible through open dialogue and industry support.
A Shifting Industry Culture
The support from peers like Kareena and Ananya suggests a turning point in Bollywood’s attitude toward working conditions. As influential voices call for an “8-hour ideal,” the focus is shifting from “burnout as a badge of honor” to a more sustainable, human-centric approach to filmmaking. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
