Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour workday request has done more than just raise eyebrows — it has sparked a timely industry-wide conversation. With the actress reportedly setting clear boundaries while signing Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, questions about sustainability, balance, and humane working conditions in Bollywood have taken center stage. Now, after Soha Ali Khan, actor Shikha Talsania has come forward in support of Deepika, adding her voice to the growing call for a healthier work culture in showbiz.In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, she supported Deepika’s decision, saying it was completely reasonable. Highlighting that Deepika is a new mother and an accomplished actor with years of experience, Shikha noted that setting such boundaries is both justified and commendable.For decades, the film industry has functioned under an unspoken norm — grueling 12 to 14-hour shifts, unpredictable schedules, and little to no work-life balance. But with actors like Deepika Padukone now advocating for structured 8-hour workdays, a crucial question emerges: is Bollywood finally ready to shift towards a healthier, more sustainable work culture?
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Do you support Deepika Padukone’s request for an 8-hour workday in Bollywood?
The actress further emphasized that the choice to set work boundaries depends largely on an individual’s stage in life. She explained that while she’s currently in a position to commit to long hours and would gladly do so for the right opportunity, it’s equally valid for someone else — especially a new mother like Deepika — to seek a better work-life balance. Her take added a nuanced perspective to the ongoing debate, highlighting the need for flexibility and understanding in the industry.She also pointed out how family dynamics are often overlooked in the demanding world of showbiz. She noted that whether it’s a mother or a father, anyone starting a family deserves time and space — something the industry has only recently begun to acknowledge. The very fact that people are now starting to ask for that time, she felt, is a sign of progress.Shikha made it clear that the conversation goes beyond just Deepika Padukone. She stressed the importance of building a structured, humane work culture that benefits the entire crew — not just the actors. According to her, it’s high time the industry shifted its focus toward creating a more balanced and respectful environment for everyone on set.Having worked across films, theatre, and the OTT space, Shikha Talsania brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by experience. She’s no stranger to the grind, but also understands the value of being present — both on and off the set.For her, it all comes down to balance. She believes in showing up for work, but also making time for everyday joys — whether it’s staying fit, eating right, or indulging in a slice of chocolate cake now and then. It’s this grounded approach that makes her take on sustainable work culture all the more relatable.Shikha emphasized that there’s no universal template when it comes to work schedules in the industry. She believes that if someone like Deepika Padukone is asking for an 8-hour shift, she’s well within her right to do so — having earned that space through years of hard work. More importantly, Shikha feels everyone, regardless of their position, should have the freedom to set boundaries that support their well-being.
