Genelia D'Souza has reportedly expressed her commitment to working 10-hour shifts, a statement that gains significance amidst the ongoing industry discussions surrounding Deepika Padukone's departure from the film "Spirit" due to disagreements over working hours.

The controversy began when reports surfaced that Deepika Padukone requested an 8-hour workday for the film "Spirit," starring Prabhas, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. This request reportedly did not align with the filmmakers' vision, leading to her exit from the project. News reports suggest that in addition to an 8-hour workday, Padukone had asked for a remuneration of approximately Rs 25 crore for 35 days of shooting, along with a 10% profit share, extensive entourage expenses, and supposedly showed reluctance to deliver dialogues in Telugu. Following her exit, Triptii Dimri was cast in her place.

The debate surrounding working hours and conditions for actors, particularly mothers, has since become a focal point in Bollywood. Several industry figures have weighed in on the matter, offering diverse perspectives.

Ajay Devgn, at the trailer launch of his film "Maa," voiced his support for the concept of shorter workdays, stating that most honest filmmakers would not have a problem with reasonable demands. He also noted that many professionals across various industries have already adopted 8 to 9-hour shifts.

Mani Ratnam echoed similar sentiments, calling Deepika's demand a "rightful" one. He emphasized that filmmakers should consider such needs when casting and that accommodating them is an "absolute necessity." Ratnam further added that such considerations should be a priority for filmmakers.

In contrast to these views, the producers of Prabhas's film "The Raja Saab" revealed that their crew regularly worked 16 to 18-hour days to achieve the desired output for their project. Director Maruthi clarified that while the actors worked 8-hour shifts, the crew behind the camera consistently put in significantly longer hours.

Rana Daggubati shared insights into the work culture in Telugu cinema, mentioning that an 8-hour shift is typical, contrasting it with the 12-hour shifts common in Maharashtra. He also highlighted that the required preparation and the scale of the project influence working hours, emphasizing that it's not a generic situation.

Chitrangda Singh offered a nuanced perspective, stating that working hours depend on the rapport between the actor, director, and producer. She acknowledged that while accommodating actors' needs is ideal, time and budget constraints can sometimes make it impossible. Singh also recognized Deepika's position in the industry, stating, "it's her privilege to make a choice."

Amidst these varying opinions, Genelia D'Souza's reported willingness to work 10-hour shifts presents another viewpoint. While details of the context surrounding her statement are limited, it suggests a commitment to meeting the demands of her projects, even if they require longer hours. This stance could be interpreted as a counterpoint to the discussions around limiting work hours, highlighting the flexibility and dedication that some actors are willing to offer.

The industry-wide conversation reflects a growing awareness of the challenges faced by actors, particularly mothers, in balancing their professional and personal lives. While some advocate for shorter workdays and better working conditions, others emphasize the practicalities and demands of filmmaking. The contrasting viewpoints underscore the complexities of the issue and the need for open dialogue to find sustainable solutions that work for all stakeholders.