The ongoing debate surrounding work-life balance in the Indian film industry has gained further momentum with actress Neha Dhupia expressing her support for Deepika Padukone's reported demand for an 8-hour shift. This comes amidst reports of Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit," allegedly due to disagreements over working hours and other contractual terms. Dhupia's stance echoes similar sentiments voiced by other industry figures like Ajay Devgn and Mani Ratnam, highlighting a growing awareness of the challenges faced by working mothers in Bollywood.

Reports suggest that Padukone's departure from "Spirit" stemmed from her request for an 8-hour workday, a share in the film's profits, and a reluctance to deliver dialogues in Telugu. These demands reportedly did not align with Vanga's vision, leading to Padukone's replacement by Triptii Dimri. Following this, Vanga posted a cryptic message on social media, indirectly criticizing Padukone's professionalism and hinting at "dirty PR tactics."

Dhupia addressed the issue through her Instagram stories, emphasizing the need for practical support and consideration for new mothers in the workplace. "For work-life balance to go beyond conversations, new moms need practical support and consideration. Instead, we often get shamed or sidelined," she wrote, tagging Padukone and adding, "As a working mom, I support @deepikapadukone's reasonable request for fair and considerate working hours."

Ajay Devgn also weighed in on the matter, stating that most honest filmmakers would not have problems with accommodating reasonable working hours, especially for mothers. Veteran director Mani Ratnam echoed this sentiment, asserting that such demands are valid when one is in a position to make them.

The demand for shorter and more sustainable work hours is not new in Bollywood. The Indian film industry is known for its grueling and extended shoots, often stretching up to 16 hours a day. While Indian labor laws restrict work to 48 hours a week, these regulations don't always apply to film sets. This often leads to technicians, junior artists, and even top stars struggling to balance their personal lives with their professional commitments.

Radhika Apte recently pointed out that the industry isn't conducive to new mothers, given the long hours and demanding schedules. Pankaj Tripathi has also spoken about the issue, revealing that he sometimes works 16 to 18 hours straight.

Rana Daggubati offered a different perspective, urging people to consider India's economic and social realities when discussing work-life balance in the film industry. He noted that work culture varies across regions, with Telugu cinema typically having 8-hour shifts, while Maharashtra follows 12-hour shifts. He also added that actors have a choice and that some actors work for only 4 hours a day.

While some filmmakers have voiced concerns about the logistical challenges of implementing fixed working hours, the growing support for Padukone's demands signals a potential shift in the industry's approach to work-life balance, particularly for working mothers. The Producers Guild of India (PGI) and the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) are yet to comment on the issue.