Kiara Advani and Deepika Padukone support Work Life Balance, Advocate for Fixed 8 Hour Work Shift
Kiara Advani has supported the work-life balance and supported Deepika Padukone’s call for an 8-hour work shift. The actor, who recently became a mother, said mental well-being should matter more than long and exhausting work schedules.
In an interview with Vogue, Kiara said burnout is harmful and helps no one, no matter the profession. She stressed that healthier working hours are important not just for actors, but also for technicians, crew members, and everyone working behind the camera. Her comments come at a time when long shooting hours and rising stress levels in the film industry are being widely discussed.
“Burnout helps no one in any industry,” Kiara said. For her, dignity, balance, and respect are the real foundations of good mental health. She also shared a personal moment, saying the sound of her daughter Saraayah giggling in her sleep is what helps her recover from exhaustion.
Kiara admitted that becoming a mother has changed her priorities. She said mental and emotional health naturally take center stage after such a life change. According to her, real productivity does not come from overworking, but from being fully present—both physically and mentally. She added that a compassionate work environment leads to better creativity and stronger performances.
Deepika Padukone’s earlier remarks on limiting work hours had sparked mixed reactions in the industry. She’s not asking for a 9-5, but for a cap on total daily hours (e.g., 8 hours). It’s about advocating for a better environment, not just for herself.
Motherhood & Priorities: Deepika stated that motherhood changed her perspective, normalizing overwork and burnout, and that an 8-hour day is sufficient for well-being.
Double Standards: She highlighted that many male superstars have long worked 8-hour shifts, but when she requested it, it became a “controversy,” pointing to potential gender bias.
Work Culture: Padukone advocates for systemic changes, better work-life balance, and efficient management, suggesting much time is wasted on sets, allowing for shorter hours.
Film Exits: Reports link her demands to exits from Spirit (with Prabhas) and Kalki 2, though she frames it as a choice if conditions aren’t met.
Industry Reaction: The demand has divided opinions, with some like Kiara Advani and Sunita Ahuja supporting her stance on burnout, while others, like Rana Daggubati, note filmmaking isn’t a factory, and it’s a choice.
