Entertainment · Indian Cinema · 15 hrs ago
Ishita Dutta backs Deepika Padukone's eight-hour workday demand
Ishita Dutta says Deepika Padukone's eight-hour shift request is reasonable.
The debate gained momentum in 2025 after reports linked the request to Padukone's exits from two film projects.
Dutta says producers can refuse the request, but should not belittle actors for making it.
She noted that some performers are willing to work 12 to 15 hours, while others may have different needs.
As a mother of two, Dutta says balancing family and work can be demanding.
She has worked longer hours herself, but said producers she worked with let her leave early.
Dutta says she does not yet feel able to demand the same arrangement for herself.
Ishita Dutta said Deepika Padukone’s request for an eight-hour workday is reasonable.
Dutta said production houses can refuse the request but should not belittle actors who make it.
She said actors have different circumstances and not everyone can or wants to work 12–15-hour days.
Dutta, a mother of two, said she had worked longer hours but had been allowed to leave early.
She said she would probably make the same request if she had enough leverage, but does not think she is there yet.
- Who
- Ishita Dutta voiced support for Deepika Padukone’s request.
- What
- Dutta said an eight-hour workday is reasonable and actors should not be belittled for asking for one.
- When
- Dutta’s remarks were reported on October 15, 2026. The debate gained momentum in 2025.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Dutta said actors have different circumstances and that a production house’s choice to refuse a request should not lead to criticism of the actor.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Deepika Padukone’s exits from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel sparked debate about shorter workdays for actors.
Times of India and Hindustan Times published Dutta’s comments backing the eight-hour workday request.
- Workday request
- Eight hours
- Longer shifts mentioned
- 12–15 hours
- Dutta’s family
- Mother of two
- Debate gained momentum
- 2025
- Reports published
- October 15, 2026
3 sources
Ishita Dutta Backs Deepika Padukone's 8-Hour Shift Demand: "You Need To Have A Baby To Realise"
Ishita Dutta backs Deepika's 8-hour shift demand, says don't belittle others
Drishyam 3 actor Ishita Dutta says Deepika Padukone's 8-hour shift demand is not unreasonable: ‘You need to have a baby to realise it’
What people are saying
I think it's not an unreasonable ask,
I'm saying giving it or not (8 hour shift) is your personal choice, so production can say no but making a big deal about it and trying to not justify it that is where the problem lies.
You need to have a baby to realise how much of it goes.
If you have the place where you can demand, I would also probably demand. I don't think I'm there yet,