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Actor Yami Gautam has voiced her support for Deepika Padukone’s much-discussed request for an eight-hour shoot schedule, stating that the demand is neither new nor unreasonable in the film industry. The conversation around standardised work hours in Bollywood recently intensified after reports suggested Deepika stepped back from a project due to scheduling concerns. Yami has now weighed in, saying the idea of defined work-hour limits is often a matter of mutual agreement. A Call for Balance in Work Culture Yami highlighted that while the film industry traditionally operates on tight timelines and long shooting days, the practicality of work hours depends heavily on the nature of the project, scale of production, location constraints and daily schedule breakdowns. She noted that the industry does not function like a conventional nine-to-five job, but clarified that this does not mean personal limits cannot be set. Yami added that many actors and crew members already have pre-discussed shift rules included in their contracts. According to her, Deepika’s request simply brings attention back to a conversation that has existed within the industry for a long time. Motherhood and Personal Priorities Yami, who recently embraced motherhood, acknowledged that personal responsibilities often reshape professional expectations. She expressed that prioritising one’s well-being — whether physical, emotional, or family-related — should not be seen as demanding or unrealistic. She said that mothers across professions already navigate the challenge of balancing work with care, and the film industry should be no exception. Her perspective subtly underlined that actors, too, are professionals deserving of structured, humane work environments. Industry Dynamics Are Complex Yami explained that unlike corporate or office-based work systems, film shoots depend on multiple moving parts: technicians, lighting teams, co-stars, costume units, production logistics, and location permissions. In such scenarios, time caps can vary from film to film. However, she emphasised that agreement and planning are key. If work hours are mutually decided at the outset, crews can still maintain efficiency without compromising creative output or personal boundaries. A Wider Discussion Opens Up Deepika’s request stirred debate across the industry — with some calling it a progressive step and others questioning whether it is feasible for big-budget filmmaking. Yami’s endorsement adds weight to the conversation, framing the demand as reasonable rather than controversial. Her remarks may also encourage more actors, especially women and parents, to express their needs without worrying about being labelled unprofessional. Looking Ahead The conversation points toward a slow but meaningful shift in Bollywood’s work culture discussions. While nothing changes overnight, Yami’s stance suggests the industry may be ready to openly address how working hours affect health, performance and long-term career sustainability.
