Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha has entirely supported Deepika Padukone when she demanded an 8-hour working day in the movie sets. This debate began when it was claimed that Deepika had left the new film ‘Spirit’ due to a dispute over work conditions.
During an exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Sonakshi stated that she too shares the same opinions as Deepika. “I’m all for it,” she answered on the issue of 8-hour work shifts in the cinema industry.
Sonakshi described that she has witnessed actors adhering to such work arrangements. “I’ve worked with actors who don’t work beyond eight hours. So, I don’t see why it should be any different for female actors as well.”
She further added that although she approves this concept, working hours could be varied depending on the requirements of shoots. “It also depends on the requirements of the project and all. You can schedule it in a way where you accommodate those hours. There are a lot of other things to shoot with other people, which you can finish off at the same time. I think it’s very achievable,” she explained.
After spending 15 years in the industry, Sonakshi said that it is important to take care of health and give time to personal life. “I’ve been working for 15 years, and there have been other actors who have worked less than me, longer than me. That’s fine. But like, you do need time for yourself beyond the shoot as well.”
She added the working hours that may tend to influence actors who are required to be fit to perform a role. “Today, if I’m doing a film where I’m required to be extremely fit, I need those two hours to go to the gym. Well, if you put me on set for 12 to 14 hours, I won’t be able to do it.”
But Sonakshi admitted that she is not entirely defiant on this strictness too. “If I don’t need to do that, I’ll give you 12 hours happily. I’ll give you 10 hours happily. But where it’s not required, then I’m sure adjustments can be made.”
The entire controversy broke out when Deepika Padukone reportedly walked out of a film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga titled ‘Spirit’. Rumours even stated that she had some demands such as an 8-hour shift, profit sharing, and no delivery of lines in Telugu, something that did not go well with the director.
Although Deepika took a stand that started debate throughout the industry, Sonakshi’s supportive message has contributed to the already existing debate about improvement and reasonable work conditions within Bollywood industry.
Sonakshi Sinha is now preoccupied with promoting her new film ‘Nikita Roy’ which is a thriller along with Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal and Suhail Nayyar. The film will be launched in theatres on June 27, 2025.
