‘The Industry Is Cruel’: Deepika Padukone on Demanding Change in Bollywood

Deepika Padukone had insisted on an eight-hour working schedule for Sandeep Reddy Vanga's film "Spirit." She wanted to give more time to her daughter. This resulted in her being replaced from the film. But Deepika still talks freely on the matter. In a recent interview, she defended the 8-hour working schedule and also questioned the work culture of the film industry.

In an interview with CNBC TV18, Deepika Padukone said, "I've been vocal about bringing about change in the Indian film industry because it's so cruel. We have a habit of doing it the way it is." But I am one of those who wants things to improve. If we call ourselves an industry but don't work like one, we are a very disorganized industry. Now the time has come to create a system, to create a better working culture.

In the same interview, Deepika Padukone said that she does not want to create a fuss by naming anyone. But many male actors in Bollywood have been working only 8 hours a day for many years. They don't even work on weekends. By raising these issues, Deepika wants to create a better working culture for female actresses in the film industry.