Bollywood icon Madhuri Dixit has become the latest celebrity to weigh in on the shift debate in the film industry. The debate stemmed after Deepika Padukone reportedly demanded an 8-hour work shift for the film Spirit. She eventually walked out of the Prabhas-starrer after her demands were not met with. However, it gave birth to a discussion on the need for strict shift hours in the film industry.
Madhuri Dixit on working hours in film industry
Madhuri, known for her decades-long career in Bollywood, reflected on her own experience of managing long shooting hours while also balancing motherhood.
In a conversation with ANI, Madhuri stressed that defining one`s work hours is a personal decision, “The thing is that when we did `Mrs Deshpande`, we were working 12-hour shifts every day, like maybe more sometimes…So, I think to each his own. I`m a workaholic. So for me, maybe it`s different, but if a woman has that power and can say, `okay, I want to work these many hours,` then that`s her prerogative, and that`s her life, and that`s how she wants to do it…Then more power to her”
Madhuri emphasised that the choice of work hours should be a personal one, stating that actors should not be pressured to conform to a set standard. Her views add to the ongoing industry debate about flexible work hours, with some actors advocating for a more structured work schedule, while others, like herself, see it as a matter of personal choice.
When Rani Mukerji spoke about work-hour demands
Earlier, actress Rani Mukerji had also expressed her views on the subject, explaining that flexible working hours have always been based on mutual understanding between actors and producers.
“These things are up for conversation today because maybe people are discussing it outside. But this has been the norm with all professions. I`ve also done it where I have worked for certain hours. If the producer`s okay with it, you go ahead with the film. If the producer isn`t okay with it, you don`t make the film. So it`s also a choice. Nobody is forcing anything on anybody,” she remarked.
(with inputs from ANI)
