The recent buzz surrounding Deepika Padukone's reported request for eight-hour work shifts has sparked a widespread debate about work-life balance in Bollywood. Amidst this discussion, Rani Mukerji has shared her perspective, drawing from her own experiences of balancing motherhood and her acting career.
Deepika Padukone's departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel reportedly stemmed from her request for a more structured eight-hour workday. This led to industry-wide conversations about the demanding schedules and extended hours that are often the norm in Bollywood. Some industry figures have supported Padukone's stance, while others have questioned the practicality of such demands.
Rani Mukerji, in a recent interview, weighed in on the discussion, reflecting on her own journey. She acknowledged that she, too, has worked under similar conditions, where she had specific hour requirements. Mukerji stated that the decision ultimately lies between the actor and the producer. If the producer is amenable to the requested hours, the collaboration can proceed; if not, the actor has the choice to decline the project. She emphasized that there is no coercion involved, and it is a matter of choice and mutual agreement. Mukerji added that while some films may require longer hours, proper planning can help achieve desired outcomes within a specific timeframe.
Mukerji also reflected on her experience of shooting for Hichki after becoming a mother to her daughter, Adira. She recalled planning her shoots meticulously to ensure she could balance her professional commitments with her responsibilities as a new mother. "I used to plan 6-7 hours shoot," Mukerji said. She emphasized that her unit and director were so well-organized that she could complete her work within those hours and be home by 3 o'clock, before the city traffic began. Mukerji underscored that such flexible arrangements are always based on mutual understanding and agreement.
Notably, director Siddharth P. Malhotra, who directed Mukerji in Hichki, has also spoken about the prevalence of eight-hour shifts in Bollywood. He revealed that Hichki was completed in 28 eight-hour shifts, with everyone, including Mukerji, the children, the cameramen, and the spot boys, adhering to the schedule. Malhotra also mentioned that Kajol, during the filming of We Are Family in 2010, had a similar requirement for eight-hour shifts. He emphasized that Deepika Padukone is not the first actress to request such working conditions and that it has been a practice followed by leading actresses like Kajol and Rani Mukerji for years.
The debate surrounding Deepika Padukone's reported demand has brought the issue of work-life balance to the forefront, particularly for women in the film industry. Rani Mukerji's comments highlight the importance of flexibility, mutual understanding, and the ability to make informed choices in navigating the demands of a career and motherhood.
