The Indian film industry is currently buzzing with discussions surrounding actors' working hours and project selection, sparked by Deepika Padukone's recent exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit." Amidst this debate, Rana Daggubati has weighed in with his perspective, while Padukone's fans have taken to social media to troll Vanga following her announcement of joining Atlee's upcoming film starring Allu Arjun.
Rana Daggubati, known for his roles in films like "Baahubali," shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate about work-life balance for actors in a recent interview with The Lallantop. He emphasized the importance of understanding India's economic context as a developing nation. Daggubati stated that India's economy is ranked low globally in terms of per capita income, suggesting a need for a different perspective on work culture compared to developed nations. He highlighted that filmmaking, for him, is more than just work; it's a lifestyle, particularly stemming from his roots in the Telugu film industry.
Daggubati also addressed the varying work cultures across different regional film industries. He noted that in Maharashtra, a 12-hour shift is common, starting at 9 am, whereas the Telugu film industry typically follows an 8-hour shift that begins at 7 am. He further explained that factors like location (whether the shoot is on set or in a studio) also influence working hours. He emphasized that it's not a generic situation and depends on the project, the individual, and the region. He also commented on the pressure actors face during long shoots, stating, "Nobody is forcing anybody. It's a job. You can't be forced to do a job. Everyone has their own opinion on what's important to them in their life. There are actors who only work four hours a day - that's their system of working. They end up doing more than what a guy in 8 hours does. It's different for everybody, and it's not a general discussion."
These comments came in the wake of reports that Deepika Padukone exited "Spirit" due to disagreements over her demand for an 8-hour workday, along with other contractual issues. Following her departure from "Spirit," Deepika Padukone has been confirmed as the female lead in Atlee's next film, tentatively titled "AA22xA6," opposite Allu Arjun. The announcement was made with a special video showcasing Padukone discussing the script with Atlee and preparing for action sequences.
This news has triggered a wave of reactions from Deepika Padukone's fans, who have taken to social media to troll Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Many fans are accusing Vanga of spreading false narratives about Padukone's demands and unprofessional behavior. Some fans are applauding Atlee for understanding Deepika's choices and respecting her as a "queen," while others are directly criticizing Vanga's alleged behavior and comments. Some fans are speculating that the reports of her demands were false and are pointing fingers at Vanga as the "bigger liar" in the situation. The online discourse is filled with comments praising Padukone's "hard-hitting response" to Vanga through her new film announcement.
The situation highlights the ongoing discussions within the Indian film industry regarding work-life balance, fair working conditions, and the power dynamics between actors and filmmakers. While Rana Daggubati offers a perspective rooted in India's economic realities and diverse industry practices, the reactions to Deepika Padukone's career move reflect a growing demand for respectful and equitable treatment of actors, particularly female actors, within the industry.
