Bollywood's long-entrenched culture of grueling work schedules is under unprecedented criticism as leading actors and directors clash over calls to limit filming days to eight hours.
The debate gained momentum after lead actress Deepika Padukone reportedly walked out of a major project last year over demands to reduce working hours after giving birth, drawing attention to the issue of work-life balance in the Indian film industry.
Bollywood has long been known for its grueling schedules, with shifts often lasting 12 to 18 hours, and during intense shoots, more than 24 hours.
However, what was once considered the norm is now being questioned, and calls for humane working conditions and limits on working hours are becoming more frequent.
Reform advocates argue that the current system places disproportionate pressure on women, who often face the stigma of being pushy or difficult – a stigma that rarely applies to male stars.
A number of actors, including Suniel Shetty, Kajol and Ram Kapoor, have supported the push for healthier boundaries, arguing that established stars should be able to set limits on their working hours.
«"Once you're successful in show business... then, yes, you can choose how many hours you want to work," Kapoor told AFP, reflecting the view that bargaining power in the industry remains linked to status.
However, others warn that the volatile nature of film production makes strict eight-hour shifts "unrealistic" to maintain on big-budget sets.
— Poor planning —
«"It's not like working in a corporation," said actor Ali Fazal, pointing to the varied demands placed on projects, especially action-packed or technically challenging productions.
Actress Chitrangda Singh supported this argument, citing a number of factors such as weather conditions and equipment breakdowns that could disrupt the tightly planned schedule.
«"Commercial realities also play a role in filmmaking," she said.
Industry experts highlight the high costs associated with large-scale film productions, where location rentals, crew and equipment costs can exceed $26,000 per day, creating pressure to maximize filming time.
Former Cine and Television Association commissioner Amit Behl said filmmakers often cannot afford to stop shooting mid-way, especially when it comes to large crews or complex action scenes.
«"The bungalow where the action film 'Animal' was shot cost Rs 25 lakh ($26,300) per day to rent," Behl said.
«"Then you have to bring in supporting artists, which is an additional expense on top of catering, electricity, mobile dressing rooms, and security.".
However, critics argue that such explanations often mask poor planning and systemic inefficiencies, shifting the burden of long working hours onto the actors and crew.
Director Shekhar Kapur has criticised what he called a hierarchy that puts top actors above technicians, saying work-life balance should be maintained by everyone on set.
«"Everyone should have the right to decide for themselves how many hours they want to work," he told AFP.
— "Workaholic"«
The scandal also highlighted inequalities within the industry, where emerging artists and crew members often have little bargaining power.
For many, the recent debates mark a wider shift in Bollywood, with both young professionals and established stars beginning to challenge long-established norms.
However, opinions on this issue remain divided.
«"I've seen Shah Rukh Khan work on set for 27 hours straight, even if he had a scene to shoot. He doesn't need that," Behl said, referring to the Bollywood superstar.
«But you can’t leave the set halfway through… if it’s an action scene with fighters, anything can happen… it’s not the same as closing your laptop and working in an IT company.».
Some veterans, like actress Madhuri Dixit, see the issue as a personal choice rather than a structural problem.
«"We worked 12 hours, maybe more, every day on Mrs. Deshpande," she told AFP, referring to the 2025 crime thriller.
«"But if a woman wants to work (less) hours, that's her right, her life... and that's her right. To each their own, I'm a workaholic!"»
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