The Indian film industry is currently gripped by a fervent debate concerning work-life balance and reasonable shift timings, a discussion that gained momentum after reports surfaced that superstar Deepika Padukone requested an eight-hour workday following motherhood. While this request allegedly led to her exit from major projects like Spirit and the Kalki 2 sequel, actress Rakul Preet Singh has now weighed in, arguing that work hours are deeply subjective and that every individual should have the right to choose.

The Heart of the Eight-Hour Shift Controversy

The controversy ignited around Deepika Padukone highlights a fundamental problem in Bollywood: the normalization of grueling, unpredictable, and excessively long shooting schedules, often stretching to 12 or 14 hours a day. Deepika's reported decision to prioritize an eight-hour shift after welcoming her child was seen by many as a necessary step toward establishing healthier, more humane working conditions, especially for women navigating motherhood and demanding careers.

However, the alleged professional repercussions, including being dropped from high-profile films, brought the issue into sharp focus, forcing industry colleagues to share their perspectives on whether a fixed shift model is feasible in the creative, often chaotic world of filmmaking.

Rakul Preet’s Stance: Subjectivity is Key

In a recent interview, Rakul Preet Singh offered a nuanced and empathetic viewpoint on the situation. She stressed that “there is never one rule for anybody,” advocating for a flexible system that respects an individual's personal circumstances, experience, and stage of life.

Rakul Preet pointed out the absurdity of imposing a universal standard, using a legendary example to illustrate her case. She noted that one could not reasonably expect a veteran like Amitabh Bachchan to work a full 14-hour day, given his age and stature. This comparison effectively underscores her belief that an actor's schedule should evolve with their personal and professional journey.

The Right to Choose: Respecting Personal Priorities

Rakul Preet Singh strongly emphasized the principle of individual autonomy and the "right to decide" one’s working hours. She suggested that actors should be free to determine how much time they dedicate to their work versus their personal commitments, especially family.

“Every person has the right to decide that in this phase of my life, I want to give this much time to my family, or work for this many hours,” she explained. This perspective not only supports Deepika Padukone’s stand as a new mother but also champions the idea that career professionals, regardless of their gender or position, should be able to set boundaries based on their priorities. If a certain commitment exceeds their capacity, they should be able to walk away without facing judgment or professional fallout.

Acknowledging the Evolution of Work

The actress also reflected on the industry’s historical tendency towards grueling schedules, recalling how veteran actors in the 90s worked "48 hours straight," going from one set to another. She concluded that the ability to demand a shorter shift is often a privilege earned after years of dedicated, hard work.

By highlighting this transition—from working endless hours early on to having the leverage to demand better boundaries later—Rakul Preet Singh framed the 8-hour shift debate not as a professional demand but as a natural evolution of an individual’s career and life stage. Ultimately, her reaction champions the idea that the film industry must find a way to become more organized and respectful of personal needs, allowing talent to thrive without succumbing to burnout.
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