The debate surrounding work-life balance in the film industry has been reignited following reports of Deepika Padukone's departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit" due to her alleged request for an 8-hour workday. This has led to discussions about the feasibility and practicality of fixed working hours for actors, with many industry figures weighing in on the matter.

Telugu actor Adivi Sesh recently shared his perspective on the controversy, emphasizing the importance of mutual agreement between actors and filmmakers regarding working hours. In an interview with Pinkvilla, Adivi stated that filmmaking is not a typical 9-to-5 job and that there are no fixed rules for working hours in the industry. He said, "What is agreed upon between a filmmaker and his actors is the only thing that matters. There is no rule per se". He further added, "Yeh 9 to 5 ka kaam nahi hai (This is not a 9 to 5 job)".

Adivi acknowledged that shooting schedules can vary, with films sometimes requiring 12, 18, or even 6 hours of work per day, depending on the needs of the project. He cautioned against oversimplifying the issue with rigid time constraints, as it misses the nuances of filmmaking. He also noted that he has worked in situations where actors had very limited time and the team had to adjust accordingly.

Addressing reports that Deepika's demands were influenced by her responsibilities as a new mother, Adivi stated that such matters should always be decided in advance between the filmmaker and the actor. He also pointed out the practical challenges of enforcing shorter work hours, especially when schedules and budgets are tight. He said that shorter shifts could extend the schedule and increase costs, which may not always be feasible. "Practically, it will not work if they have to shoot. If 20 more days get added to the schedule and the budget is not there, how do they accommodate it?".

Adivi also refrained from commenting directly on Deepika's situation, stating that he lacked full details and felt it was ethically wrong to judge without knowing the complete context.

The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone's alleged 8-hour workday demand has sparked a broader debate about work-life balance and mental health in the film industry. Deepika herself has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and work-life balance. In an old interview that resurfaced amidst the controversy, she emphasized the importance of taking time out for oneself and avoiding burnout. She also shared her goal as a producer to streamline work hours for the crew for better quality output. "Streamlining the hours that we work, especially for the crew...people need to be given enough downtime and rest so that they come back with better energy".

Other industry figures have also shared their views on the matter. Some have supported the idea of flexible working hours, while others have questioned the practicality of implementing such a system. Director Suneel Darshan called the demand "unreal" and suggested that Deepika could be replaced by new talents. He also emphasized the need for accountability if actors were to work shorter shifts.

The debate highlights the challenges of balancing the demands of filmmaking with the need for a healthy work-life balance. While some argue that the film industry requires long and flexible hours, others believe that it is possible to create a more sustainable and balanced work environment. The key, as Adivi Sesh pointed out, lies in open communication and mutual agreement between actors and filmmakers.