Director Hansal Mehta backs Deepika Padukone, slams toxic work culture: 'Can this really be called an industry'

Hansal Mehta joins Deepika Padukone in slamming toxic work culture

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta, known for projects like Scam 1992 and Shahid, has joined Deepika Padukone in raising concerns over the film industry’s grueling work hours.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the director posted a candid note describing how exhaustion and overwork have quietly become part of showbiz life.

“In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a ‘shift.’ The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this equation?”

His words hit home for many who’ve spent years behind the scenes — from light boys to assistant directors — surviving on coffee, adrenaline, and half-slept nights.

“Exhaustion Became Normalised,” Says Hansal Mehta

In his post, Hansal Mehta lamented how the idea of rest has turned into a luxury.

“Weekends are rarely weekends. Breaks are looked down upon. Somewhere along the way exhaustion became normalised and rest became a privilege. Sometimes I wonder : can this really be called an industry if it runs on the relentless draining of its people?” he wrote.

He also spoke about how daily wage workers in the industry often face the harshest realities, "The hardest hit are those who have the least power - the daily wagers. They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave surviving in conditions we’d call inhuman anywhere else. On television it’s worse and now even OTT and films have slipped into the same pattern. We often celebrate the arrival of global corporations believing they’ll bring better systems. But more often than not they simply adapt to the broken ones we already have. Because it’s profitable."

In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a “shift.” The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this…

— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) October 10, 2025

"I truly believe that if we cared about well-being, ours and especially those who hold up the base of this pyramid we’d not only work better, but live better. The irony is that quality, efficiency, and even profit would follow. But first, we need to stop scoffing at the simple idea of rest. Because without that, what are we really building?"

The filmmaker pointed out the irony of global studios entering India but adapting to the same “broken systems” because, as he said, “it’s profitable.”

I believe balance is essential. Work, rest, family, friends, and time for oneself are not indulgences - they’re integral to both health and to the quality of work we create. The normalisation of 12-hour working days feels exploitative. It should be the exception, not the… — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) October 10, 2025

“I believe balance is essential. Work, rest, family, friends, and time for oneself are not indulgences - they’re integral to both health and to the quality of work we create. The normalisation of 12-hour working days feels exploitative. It should be the exception, not the standard. I remember a film I once worked on where I would finish the day’s work within 8–9 hours. Almost immediately, the producers would rush in, asking me to do “a little more.” Ironically, the film ended up taking longer than scheduled. Time wasn’t saved l, on the contrary it was wasted. Hours were stretched, not utilised," added Hansal Mehta, calling for empathy and sustainable work practices.

"The need of the hour is efficiency and economy but not at the cost of people. We must care about the physical and mental health of those who keep this industry running. It is not about the individual star or director - they are usually well looked after. It is about those who arrive earliest, leave last, and often have the least protection. For them especially, we need to care," He ended.

Also read: ‘Saiyaara’ actress Aneet Padda faces backlash over viral video; accused of hurting Muslim sentiments

Deepika Padukone Echoed Similar Concerns

Recently, Deepika Padukone too had spoken about the need for balanced work schedules. In an interview with CNBC-TV18, the actor noted the double standards in the industry, saying, “Male superstars have been working for 8 hours for years, and it’s never made headlines.”

Deepika Padukone opted out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD due to the eight hour shift demand. Actor Triptii Dimri has stepped in as her replacement in Spirit, opposite Prabhas.

Together, Hansal Mehta and Deepika Padukone have reignited a much-needed conversation — one about humane working hours and respect for mental health in an industry that thrives on speed and sleeplessness.

Also read: Deepika Padukone speaks up on her eight-hour shift demand amid exit from Prabhas starrer Kalki 2: "Been through such experiences many times"

FAQs

Q1: What did Hansal Mehta say about industry burnout?

A: Hansal Mehta said that exhaustion has become normalised in filmmaking, calling out 12-hour shifts and poor working conditions, especially for daily wagers.

Q2: How is Deepika Padukone connected to this discussion?

A: Deepika Padukone recently criticized the double standards around work hours in Bollywood, emphasizing that balance and rest are essential.

Q3: What is the key message from Hansal Mehta’s post?

A: Hansal Mehta urged the film industry to value mental health, efficiency, and empathy over relentless schedules, saying rest should not be a privilege.