The recent buzz surrounding Deepika Padukone's reported request for an eight-hour workday has ignited a debate about working conditions in Bollywood. However, filmmaker Siddharth P. Malhotra has weighed in on the issue, asserting that such demands are not new and actresses like Kajol and Rani Mukerji have followed similar practices for years.

Malhotra, known for directing films like "Hichki" and "We Are Family," claims that Deepika isn't demanding anything new. According to him, this has "been happening for years." He recalls that when he shot with Kajol in 2010 for "We Are Family," she "used to do eight-hour shifts," making it clear that she would work either from 10 am to 6 pm, 7 am to 2 pm, or for an eight-hour shift at night. Malhotra also stated that Rani Mukerji had similar working hour preferences.

The director highlighted the importance of discipline and coordination on set, regardless of shift duration, citing "Hichki" as an example. He revealed that they "finished Hichki, the whole film, in 28 eight-hour shifts," with everyone, from actors to spot boys, aligned with the schedule.

Kajol has also backed the eight-hour shift practice. She told PTI that she "didn't work for 20 or 30 hours," and was "always very clear that we would work a certain amount only," with her mother, veteran actor Tanuja, supporting her.

Deepika Padukone's request for an eight-hour workday reportedly led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming Telugu cop drama, "Spirit." Reports suggest that she had disagreements with the director over several demands, including a profit-sharing model and an eight-hour workday. Following her exit, Triptii Dimri was brought in as the new lead. This situation has amplified discussions about work-life balance and regulated shooting hours within the film industry, especially for actors who are also parents.

Malhotra believes that "people are just using Deepika Padukone's name for publicity." He argues that every film and director have their demands, and if Deepika has made her conditions clear from the start, directors shouldn't work with her if it doesn't suit them. He added, "If I need an actor and am confident I can finish the film within those working hours, I'd work with them even for six hours a day."

He also believes there is nothing wrong with asking for time with family, especially if the actor is clear from the beginning. “She's asking for family time, what wrong is she demanding?” He added that if the working conditions do not match the filmmaker's vision, they are free to choose someone else.

Malhotra addressed the issue of pay disparity in the industry. He noted that actors like Deepika Padukone and Alia Bhatt are now among the highest-paid stars, and pay depends on an actor's star power and box office draw.