Background: The Eight-Hour Shift Debate Hits the Spotlight
The conversation about 8-hour shoots in Bollywood gained momentum after superstar Deepika Padukone publicly requested eight-hour shifts for her film commitments. The move prompted a mixed reaction from industry peers, with some praising it as a sensible step for work-life balance and others cautioning about the practicalities of production planning. In the wake of Deepika’s stance, veteran film-maker Farah Khan weighed in, sparking further discussion about on-set hours. Now, actress Rani Mukerji has joined the conversation, offering a personal perspective rooted in her own experiences.
Rani Mukerji Speaks Out: A Personal View
In comments given to the news agency ANI, Rani explained that the question of long shoots is not new to the film industry. While acknowledging that debates about hours dominate conversations in many workplaces, she emphasized that shooting schedules are negotiated between producers and cast and crew. “If producers are comfortable, you can wrap a shoot in fewer hours,” she noted, underscoring that the ultimate decision rests with production teams and not with performers unilaterally.
Rani’s Shared Experience: Hichki and the Challenge of Balance
Rani then pivoted to a deeply personal anecdote from the making of Hichki, a film in which she played a teacher with a unique challenge. She recalled that her daughter Adira was just 14 months old during filming. To manage motherhood and a demanding shooting schedule, Rani said she started her day by pumping milk for her child before leaving for the set. “My daughter was 14 months old when I shot the film,” she explained, adding that her routine involved pumping milk at around 6:30 in the morning. The journey from home to the Juhu shooting location often took nearly two hours, and her first shot was typically at 8 a.m.
According to Rani, the unit and director planned meticulously so the day would be compact, aiming to finish within 6 to 7 hours and return home before city traffic intensified. “We were able to complete the shoot by 3 p.m.,” she said, highlighting how careful scheduling and support from the team made it possible to balance parenting with a film schedule.
What This Means for the Eight-Hour Shift Debate
Rani’s reflections come at a time when the industry is actively weighing the benefits and trade-offs of longer or more flexible hours. Some in Bollywood have expressed support for eight-hour shifts as a humane and practical adjustment that acknowledges actors’ personal responsibilities and well-being. Others worry that mandating longer hours could disrupt already tight production calendars and place additional pressure on performers and crew alike. The debate, which spans actors, directors, producers, and writers, is less about a single policy and more about finding workable solutions that respect health, safety, and the realities of filmmaking.
Rani’s stance—rooted in shared industry experience rather than a rigid policy—suggests a middle path: hours should be negotiated, with flexibility where possible, and a clear, collaborative approach among producers, directors, and cast. She also stresses that the absence of coercion is crucial; no one should feel forced into a long shoot without consent or adequate planning.
Industry Realities: Scheduling, Health, and Creative Demands
Eight-hour shift discussions touch on several practical factors: location logistics, travel times, child-care arrangements, and the unpredictable nature of filming. While a shorter day might benefit performers balancing families, it can also compress production timelines, necessitating refined planning, efficient workflows, and contingency strategies. The film industry’s response to these concerns will likely involve a combination of flexible scheduling, on-site amenities for cast and crew, and transparent dialogue between talent and production houses.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Dialogue
The dialogue surrounding eight-hour shifts in Bollywood continues, with voices like Deepika Padukone and Rani Mukerji contributing personal, practical perspectives. As producers and filmmakers navigate the balance between artistic ambition and performers’ well-being, the key takeaway is collaboration. If schedules are thoughtfully planned and consent-based, the industry can strive for healthier, sustainable workflows without compromising the momentum that keeps cinema vibrant for audiences worldwide.
