Bollywood Working Hours Debate: Deepika Padukone, 8-Hour Shifts and Anubhav Sinha’s Take (2026)

The recent stir over fixed working hours in Bollywood has reignited a passionate discussion, with filmmaker Anubhav Sinha offering a straightforward take on the matter. But here's where it gets controversial: Anubhav doesn't see eye to eye with the public uproar surrounding Deepika Padukone's request for shorter shifts post-motherhood.

In a recent chat with Shubhankar Mishra, Anubhav shared his no-nonsense view on actors setting boundaries. He boldly stated, "If an actor wants a 6-hour workday and you're not on board, then don't collaborate. It's that straightforward." He emphasized the importance of mutual agreement in the film industry, a principle he upholds in his own work.

Anubhav's experience with the late Rishi Kapoor on the film Mulk serves as a testament to his approach. Rishi had expressed his preference for avoiding night shoots after reading the script, and Anubhav accommodated this request, negotiating a limited number of night shoots. Despite a slight increase during filming, the issue was resolved amicably, and Anubhav praised the experience of working with Rishi, highlighting the importance of flexibility and open communication.

When it comes to Deepika's reported 8-hour shift request, Anubhav maintains a neutral stance, stating that he doesn't indulge in gossip and hasn't worked closely with her. However, after speaking with those who have, he shared positive feedback, describing her as "a delightful actress to work with."

Anubhav further argued that if an actor's demands seem unreasonable, producers and directors have the power to decline. "Why create a controversy?" he questioned, likening professional disagreements to household issues that shouldn't be aired publicly. He believes such disputes should remain private, between the concerned parties, much like resolving a scheduling conflict at home.

The controversy surrounding Deepika and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga stems from her exit from the film Spirit, starring Prabhas. Reportedly, disagreements over creative terms and her request for an 8-hour workday led to her departure, replaced by Triptii Dimri. This sparked an online debate about professionalism, work-hour limits, and remuneration in high-budget projects.

Anubhav Sinha's latest project, Assi, a courtroom drama starring Taapsee Pannu, received praise for its performances and socially relevant theme. However, it underperformed at the box office, collecting roughly ₹7 crore in its first week, despite an estimated budget of around ₹30 crore.

Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone, fresh from her last appearance in Kalki 2898 AD, has upcoming projects with Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee, where she will star alongside Allu Arjun.

So, what's your take on this debate? Do you agree with Anubhav's perspective on keeping these matters private, or do you think it's important to address them publicly? Let's discuss in the comments!

Bollywood Working Hours Debate: Deepika Padukone, 8-Hour Shifts and Anubhav Sinha’s Take (2026)

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