Actor Yami Gautam has voiced her support for Deepika Padukone's request for an eight-hour workday in the film industry. Speaking to Times Now News, Yami emphasized that such arrangements have existed for decades, with several actors already working limited hours by prior agreement with directors and producers. She questioned why a female actor's similar demand has become controversial. Yami explained that work hours in filmmaking depend on various factors including locations, permissions, and schedules of multiple actors and technicians, making time caps a subjective matter requiring collaboration. Recently, Deepika Padukone reportedly exited from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2 after her request for an eight-hour shift to spend time with her daughter Dua was not accommodated. The issue has sparked widespread discussion across the industry, with many professionals sharing their perspectives on working conditions and parenthood in cinema.
Industry Practice and Gender Bias in Work Hours
Yami Gautam pointed out that time caps have been standard practice for decades in the film industry. Many actors already work only eight hours daily, shoot five days a week, and avoid night schedules through pre-arranged agreements with directors and producers. She questioned why Deepika Padukone's similar request has sparked controversy, asking why a female actor faces criticism for making the same demand. Yami stressed that filmmakers and actors are human beings creating art under unusual circumstances, and requesting suitable working hours should not be problematic. She noted that whether such arrangements work depends on production requirements—if they suit the schedule, they proceed; otherwise, they do not. Yami also emphasized that every mother, whether working or homemaking, is special and does everything possible for her child.
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