Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, has sparked conversations around work-life balance in the film industry. The actor, who welcomed a baby girl last year, was reportedly dropped from the Prabhas-starrer due to her alleged demands including an 8-hour shift, whopping remuneration and profit-sharing arrangements.
Amid the ongoing debate, filmmaker Kabir Khan has weighed in on the topic. Supporting Deepika's eight-hour workday demand, he revealed that even male actors like Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar, work on an 8-hour shift.
In an interview with Movified, Kabir emphasised on the need for proper working hours in the film industry, for mental health and better efficiency. He said he works with 500 crew members who have families and their own lives. "Their well‑being matters, not just for efficiency, but for their mental health," the director said.
The Chandu Champion director also called Deepika Padukone's demand a "fair point" and added, "Aamir Khan works on an 8‑hour shift. Akshay Kumar too. So I don’t see why Deepika should be denied the same. If a filmmaker doesn’t agree, they should have a valid reason. It’s that simple."
Kabir also revealed that he himself has never worked overtime or more than 12 hours, and doesn't work on Sundays. "These are basic rules," he added.
On being asked about Deepika's reported demand of Rs 25 crore as fee, Kabir said, "Whoever brings in the viewers, whether an actor, director, man or woman… they deserve to be paid what they’re worth."
For the unversed, Deepika worked with Kabir Khan is the 2021 sports drama 83.
Earlier, celebs like Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Mani Ratnam and others also supported the 8-hour shift in the film industry.
On the work front, Deepika will be seen in a key role in Atlee's film with Allu Arjun titled, AA22 X A6. She is reportedly playing a warrior princess in the magnum opus.
