Sonakshi Sinha Voices Support for Deepika Padukone’s Call for 8-Hour Workdays in Bollywood
The discussion around healthier working hours in the film industry has taken center stage again, especially after reports emerged that Deepika Padukone walked out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit. One of the key reasons cited for her exit was the director’s alleged refusal to accommodate her request for an eight-hour workday—a demand that has now sparked conversations across the industry.
Recently, actress Sonakshi Sinha weighed in on the issue in an interview with India Today, standing in full support of Deepika’s stance. “I don’t know if the reports about her leaving Spirit are true,” Sonakshi said, “but if they are, I think it’s a completely valid reason. I’ve worked with actors who don’t go beyond eight hours. So why should it be any different for female actors?”
Sonakshi emphasized that with careful scheduling, an eight-hour shift is completely possible. “There are so many scenes that can be shot with other characters in that time. You can definitely plan the shoot in a way that accommodates an actor’s personal time.”
Reflecting on her 15-year journey in Bollywood, Sonakshi pointed out that she’s experienced both extremes—working with actors who do less and those who go beyond the norm. “That’s okay,” she noted. “But you still need personal time beyond the shoot. For instance, if I’m doing a physically demanding role that requires intense fitness, I need time to train. If I’m on set for 12-14 hours, that’s just not possible.”
Deepika Padukone’s reported demands before exiting Spirit included not just the eight-hour shift, but also a profit-sharing arrangement and a preference not to deliver lines in Telugu. The director was allegedly unwilling to meet these conditions, and she was later replaced by Triptii Dimri opposite Prabhas.
Sonakshi’s Upcoming Release: Nikita Roy
On the work front, Sonakshi Sinha is gearing up for the release of Nikita Roy, a supernatural thriller directed by her brother Kussh S Sinha. The film also stars Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, and Suhail Nayyar. It is set for a theatrical release on June 27, 2025, and will clash with Maa, a horror film headlined by Kajol and produced by Ajay Devgn.
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