Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit recently sparked a major debate in Bollywood — not just about casting, but about exhausting work schedules in the film industry. What began as a routine production update quickly turned into a larger conversation about long shooting hours, work-life balance, and whether an eight-hour workday should become the norm for actors and crew.
While several industry voices have supported regulated working hours, others argue that extended shifts are sometimes necessary to meet production demands. Now, veteran actor Suniel Shetty has stepped into the discussion with a firm stance on prioritising health, discipline, and personal boundaries.
In an interview with Mid-Day, Shetty revealed that he has always been strict about limiting his work hours. “Even being a part of the industry, I have only made sure that I work during my work hours. If it’s a 9 to 6, I would expect it to be 9 to 6,” he said. However, he added that he is willing to stretch his schedule in exceptional situations. “If my producer is in trouble, I’ll do a 9 to 9 the next morning. But that understanding is important; otherwise, you can’t get the best output from me.”
The actor was clear that routinely long shifts are unrealistic and counterproductive. “You’re talking about 12-hour or 18-hour work. It’s not possible,” he stated, emphasising that creative and physical performance inevitably suffers without proper rest.
Shetty, known for his action-heavy roles, admitted that missing breaks directly affects his temperament. “If I don’t get my break or my lunch, I become the most irritable person. I need that break because that’s what recharges me. If you want the best output, give me my breaks,” he explained.
At 65, Shetty credits his discipline and fitness for his longevity in the industry. He shared that overexertion is not a badge of dedication but a path to burnout. “You can’t achieve anything by constantly pushing your limits. Fitness is my life. If you take away the gym from me, you take away my life. People who expect me to work need to understand that too.”
Deepika Padukone previously addressed the controversy in an interview with CNBC, pointing out a long-standing double standard. She stated that male superstars have worked eight-hour days for years without scrutiny. “By virtue of being a woman, if that comes across as being pushy, then so be it. It’s no secret that many male actors work eight hours a day, Monday to Friday, and don’t shoot on weekends,” she said.
As Bollywood continues debating work culture reforms, voices like Shetty and Padukone are pushing for a healthier, more sustainable future behind the scenes.