Background: A Debate Splits Bollywood
The discussion around eight-hour shifts for actors has reignited attention in Bollywood after Deepika Padukone reportedly requested an eight-hour workday. The move drew mixed reactions within the industry, with some colleagues supporting more humane, actor-friendly schedules and others raising concerns about production demands and timelines. The discourse isn’t simply about one star; it touches on work-life balance, parental responsibilities, and the realities of on-set logistics in a high-pressure industry.
Earlier, renowned choreographer Farah Khan weighed in on the topic, which amplified the chatter and led some to speculate about possible tensions within the fraternity. The conversation has since evolved into a broader reflection on how productions can structure days without compromising safety, performance, or family responsibilities.
Rani Mukerji’s Personal Lens: Hichki and Parenthood on Set
Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji has joined the conversation by sharing a personal narrative from her own experience on the set of Hichki. Speaking to ANI, she recounted how she managed shooting when her daughter Adira was just 14 months old. Rani described pumping milk before heading to the set, a routine that began at about 6:30 in the morning. She explained that the drive from her home to the Juhu-based set could take close to two hours, necessitating careful planning and support from her unit and director.
According to Rani, her team designed a schedule to complete shooting within six to seven hours so she could return home before city traffic worsened, ideally by around 3 p.m. For her, the priority was fulfilling motherhood duties while delivering a film, and the on-set plan was crafted to make that possible. As she told ANI, the experience showed that with proper planning, a demanding day could be managed without sacrificing either work or family commitments.
What This Means for Work-Life Balance on Set
The core of the eight-hour shift debate isn’t about a single performance or one industry figure; it’s about how productions allocate time, resources, and care for performers who are also parents. Rani’s account underscores a broader reality in many professions: with thoughtful scheduling, it is possible to meet creative and commercial goals while tending to family responsibilities. Her emphasis on planning — milk pumping, travel time, and a schedule that protects personal time — offers a practical blueprint for sets navigating similar challenges.
Industry Voices: Support, Skepticism, and the Practicalities
Within Bollywood, opinions vary. Some colleagues argue that shorter or more flexible shoots could ease fatigue, reduce risk, and improve performance. Others caution that producers must balance budget, location constraints, and tight release timelines. The consensus among many is not a rejection of parental commitments but a call for feasible workflows that keep productions on track while respecting performers’ lives outside the camera frame.
Rani’s remarks also point to a larger industry truth: certain measures, like earlier start times or efficient on-set arrangements, have long existed in some productions. The debate reflects a shift toward more open dialogue about on-set welfare, rather than the old norms where personal sacrifices were expected without discussion.
<h2 Practical Takeaways for Future Sets
What can productions take away from these conversations? First, proactive planning is essential. Scheduling that accommodates pumping breaks, childcare needs, and transit times can reduce stress and help performers deliver their best work. Second, transparent communication between actors, producers, and the crew fosters trust and smoother execution. Finally, a willingness to adapt—whether by adjusting shooting blocks, adding rest periods, or re-sequencing scenes—can yield safer, more efficient sets without compromising creative goals.
Conclusion: Moving Toward Safer, More Humane On-Set Practices
The current discourse around eight-hour shifts in Bollywood is less about blaming individuals and more about reshaping industry norms. Rani Mukerji’s candid reflection on balancing motherhood with a demanding shoot invites producers, directors, and performers to collaborate on practical solutions. If the industry can embrace flexible, well-planned schedules, it stands to gain not only from happier, healthier performers but also from the sustained quality and reliability of its storytelling.
