The debate surrounding work culture in Bollywood, particularly the demand for a strict 8-hour shift, has been a hot topic, and actor Pratik Gandhi, known for his role in "Scam 1992" and soon to be seen in Netflix's "Saare Jahan Se Accha," has weighed in on the discussion.

Deepika Padukone's stance on the matter, where she advocated for respectful working hours and adequate rest for everyone, sparked a wide range of reactions within the industry. While some have supported her views, others have indirectly criticized the practicality of such a demand in the demanding world of filmmaking.

Pratik Gandhi, in an exclusive interview, shared his perspective on the issue. While he didn't directly address Deepika Padukone's comments, he acknowledged the need for a proper system to be in place to ensure the well-being of everyone involved in the filmmaking process. He expressed his concern for the technicians who are constantly on their feet and working long hours. "I feel for them," he stated, highlighting the need for improvement in working conditions.

Gandhi admitted that achieving an ideal work-life balance in the film industry is a long way to go due to the format and the money involved. He also noted that there are financial variables to consider. He suggested that there should be financial benefits for technicians after a certain point. He also mentioned that some people refuse to work for extended hours now.

Pratik also emphasized the importance of giving writers their due credit, money, position, and freedom of writing because they are the starting point of the story. He also said that actors have taken the responsibility to mention the writers everywhere and talk about how flawless the writing is.

Meanwhile, Pratik Gandhi is gearing up for the release of his new thriller series, "Saare Jahan Se Accha: The Silent Guardians," set to premiere on Netflix on August 13, 2025. The series is a suspense thriller set in the 1970s, focusing on an Indian intelligence officer's efforts to prevent a nuclear threat. Gandhi plays Vishnu, a resilient Indian spy tasked with outsmarting Murtaza, his counterpart from across the border (played by Sunny Hinduja), to sabotage Pakistan's nuclear program. The series also stars Sunny Hinduja, Suhail Nayyar, Tillotama Shome, Kritika Kamra, Rajat Kapoor, and Anup Soni.

Pratik said that what drew him to his character was the intensity beneath the stillness and the emotional toll of being invisible, yet fighting for India. He added that he saw a couple of international documentaries to research how their world is and how they work. He also said that the story became his biggest research material.

Besides "Saare Jahan Se Accha," Pratik Gandhi is also reuniting with Hansal Mehta for a biopic on Gandhi, where he will play the titular role. The series, which has music by A.R. Rahman, is based on the books 'Gandhi Before India' and 'Gandhi: The Years That Changed the World' by Ramachandra Guha.