Celebrated actor Pankaj Tripathi has now added his voice to the growing conversation about healthier working conditions in the Indian film industry.
Following recent news reports about Deepika Padukone's purported departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming movie Spirit, the issue of equitable work schedules in Bollywood received fresh attention.
Speaking in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Pankaj shared his own experiences of gruelling film shoots and extended working days that have, at times, pushed the limits of what’s considered sustainable. “Kaam mein khiche jaa raha hai. 16 ghanta-18 ghanta ho gaya main laga hua hoon. Main bol bhi raha hoon, actor jaa chuka hai. Labour ruka hua hai,” he quipped, describing how endless hours on set can leave actors feeling more like labourers than artists.
He also underlined the importance of setting professional boundaries, stressing that being firm doesn’t necessarily equate to being uncooperative. “Phir laga nahi, abhi toh aap vinamrata purvak bol dijiye ki 'Nahi, itna hi hoga. Humne commit ye kiya tha, commitment humari poori ho gayi. Ab dhanyavaad. Jo bacha hai, kal karenge,’” he said, emphasising the need for clear and respectful communication around commitments.
Deepika’s decision to step away from Spirit, reportedly due to concerns about long hours and language barriers, sparked heated conversations across the industry. Her request for an 8-hour workday, in particular, struck a chord, with other stars such as Kajol, Ajay Devgn and Saif Ali Khan echoing similar sentiments in recent months.
As more leading voices join the call for better working conditions, it’s evident that the push for balanced schedules and fair treatment on sets is no longer just a conversation—it’s becoming a collective movement.
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