Sarpotdar Urges Context in Bollywood Working-Hours Debate

Post by : Mina Rahman

The discussion over capping daily work hours in Hindi cinema has intensified recently. Reports that Deepika Padukone left projects such as Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD have fuelled debate, splitting opinion between proponents of fixed schedules and those who argue such caps are often impractical.

Filmmaker Aditya Sarpotdar, who directed the horror-comedy Thamma, has joined the conversation, highlighting the norm of extended and unpredictable shoot days in the industry. He stressed that stretches beyond 12 hours impose undue physical and mental strain.

"There is a tendency to assume everyone will stretch to 24-hour commitments, which is neither fair nor sustainable. A 12-hour shift is a sensible and workable standard," Sarpotdar said, warning that longer days overburden cast and crew.

He pointed out that Thamma leading lady Rashmika Mandanna often finishes 12-hour days without complaint, but underscored that endurance levels differ across individuals. "You cannot presume everyone can handle extended schedules; alignment between actor and director is essential before committing to work together," he added.

On Deepika Padukone's calls for definitive time limits, Sarpotdar urged the trade to factor in context rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all rule. "Blanket statements do not reflect the variety of roles, projects and individual needs," he said.

He also described accommodations made for veteran actor Paresh Rawal during Thamma's shoot, ensuring his medical needs and comfort were prioritised. "Looking after a senior artist is our duty," Sarpotdar noted.

Rashmika Mandanna, who has previously spoken about the pressures of excessive hours, reiterated her preference for structured workdays resembling a 9-to-5 pattern. She stressed the importance of downtime, rest and a sustainable routine, calling prolonged overwork "unsustainable."

Thamma, which features Ayushmann Khurrana, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal alongside Rashmika, has earned Rs. 121.80 crore at the domestic box office since its Diwali release.

Rashmika will next be seen in the Telugu romantic drama The Girlfriend, directed by Rahul Ravindran, which is slated to arrive in theatres this Friday.