Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 15: Actress Ishita Dutta has supported Deepika Padukone’s reported demand for eight-hour work shifts in Bollywood, saying the request should not be dismissed as unreasonable, particularly for working mothers.

Deepika was reportedly dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ and Nag Ashwin’s ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel following differences over working hours, with her alleged demand for eight-hour shifts cited as a reason. The issue has since sparked a wider debate about working conditions in the film industry, especially for women with children.

Speaking to the Free Press Journal, Ishita, who is a mother of two and will be seen in ‘Drishyam 3’, said production houses had the right to accept or reject an actor’s conditions, but should not belittle someone for making such a request.

“I’m saying giving it or not is your personal choice, so production can say no but making a big deal about it and trying to not justify it that is where the problem lies,” she said.

Ishita pointed out that several actors might be willing to work for 12 to 15 hours, but that should not make another actor’s request for shorter shifts unreasonable.

“You need to have a baby to realise how much of it goes. If you have the place where you can demand, I would also probably demand. I don’t think I’m there yet,” she added.

Deepika had earlier spoken about working conditions and pay parity in Bollywood during an interview with CNBC-TV18. She said she had dealt with such issues at various levels and had generally chosen to fight her battles privately and with dignity, although some matters eventually became public.

The debate over working hours has brought renewed attention to the challenges actors face in balancing professional commitments and family responsibilities.