Deepika Padukone, known for her professionalism, mentioned in an interview that she values her time and tries to stick to a disciplined schedule. She suggested that with proper planning, work can be streamlined into an eight-hour window. Her goal was to emphasize mental well-being and the idea that one shouldn’t have to burn out to be successful.
Rajendra Chawla, a respected figure in the television and film industry, offered a “reality check” to these claims. His comments weren’t necessarily a personal attack on Deepika, but rather a reflection on how the industry operates for the majority of workers.
Chawla pointed out that for most actors—especially those in daily soaps or character roles—an eight-hour shift is nearly impossible. Between hair, makeup, lighting setups, and travel, the “workday” often extends to 12 or 14 hours.
He noted that while top-tier stars have the leverage to dictate their timings and sign contracts with strict exit times, the rest of the crew and supporting cast do not have that luxury.
He explained that the economics of filmmaking often require long hours to stay within budget, making the “eight-hour dream” a far cry from the ground reality on a standard Indian film set.
This clash of opinions has opened up a broader conversation about labor laws and work culture in India. Deepika represents a shift toward modern corporate-style boundaries, which is healthy but often difficult to implement in creative fields.
Chawla represents the “voice of the veteran,” acknowledging the grit and grueling hours that have long been the backbone of the industry. Many fans and industry insiders believe both are right. While the industry should move toward shorter shifts for the sake of health, it currently lacks the infrastructure to do so without significantly increasing costs.
The dialogue between Deepika’s idealistic approach and Rajendra Chawla’s practical critique highlights a significant divide in the workplace experience. While we strive for the balance Deepika advocates, Chawla reminds us that there is still a long way to go before such a balance becomes a reality for everyone on a film set. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
