Bollywood actress Yami Gautam has stepped into the ongoing debate surrounding Deepika Padukone’s demand for an 8-hour working schedule, voicing her support for the Pathaan star’s decision to exit two major films over scheduling concerns. Speaking to Times Now News, Gautam emphasized that such requests are not unprecedented in the industry and questioned why a female actor’s demand had become such a polarizing issue.
A Long-Standing Industry Practice
Gautam, known for her roles in films like Bala, pointed out that the practice of actors requesting specific work schedules is far from new in Bollywood. She highlighted that several actors in the industry have contractual agreements limiting their work hours and excluding night shoots. “This is pre-decided among the director, producer, and the actor,” she explained, emphasizing that such negotiations are routine business practices that have existed for decades in the entertainment industry.
According to Gautam, many established actors work only five days a week and refuse night shoots as part of their contract terms, a practice that rarely generates public controversy. Her remarks suggest that the widespread backlash against Deepika’s request reflects a double standard when it comes to female actors making similar demands.
The Gender Disparity Question
The core of Gautam’s argument centers on why Deepika Padukone’s request garnered such intense scrutiny and criticism. “So why is it that if a female actor has said, it has become an issue?” Gautam questioned, highlighting what she perceives as gender bias in the industry’s response. She stressed that actors, regardless of gender, are entitled to reasonable working conditions just like any other professional.
The Human Element in Filmmaking
Beyond the business dynamics, Gautam brought attention to the human aspect of filmmaking. “At the end of the day, we are human beings making art and emotions in very odd circumstances,” she stated, underlining that the physical and mental toll of film shoots demands consideration. Her comments acknowledged that actors work irregular hours, often in challenging locations and conditions, which justifies the need for boundaries and negotiated schedules.
Balancing Demands and Production Logistics
However, Gautam also provided a nuanced perspective by acknowledging the complexities of film production that differ from conventional workplaces. She recognized that filmmaking involves multiple stakeholders and variables that cannot be entirely controlled. “Locations, permissions, permutations, combinations, other actors, technicians—there are so many things,” she enumerated, explaining why a rigid time cap might not always be feasible.
Gautam suggested that working hour agreements must be flexible and tailored to each production. “This whole concept of time cap, for me, is very subjective to an actor, a producer, and a director’s collaboration and understanding,” she noted, indicating that such matters require open dialogue and mutual agreement rather than strict industry-wide rules.
The Motherhood Factor
Gautam also touched upon the personal circumstances behind Deepika’s request, acknowledging the importance of motherhood. She referenced how Deepika’s demand reportedly came in the context of caring for her daughter Dua with husband Ranveer Singh. “Mothers are special and would do anything for their children,” Gautam remarked, emphasizing the natural instinct to prioritize family alongside professional commitments.
Mixed Industry Response
Deepika Padukone’s decision to exit Spirit and Kalki 2 has sparked divided opinions within Bollywood. While several actors have publicly supported her stance, others have criticized her for abandoning projects. Gautam’s intervention adds a significant voice to those defending the actress’s right to negotiate working conditions that suit her personal circumstances.
The ongoing debate raises important questions about work-life balance, gender equality, and industry standards in Indian cinema issues that extend far beyond Deepika’s individual case.
By – Sonali