Hansal Mehta Backs Deepika Padukone: Calls Out Toxic 12-Hour Shifts Normalizing Exhaustion in Film Industry
The intense debate over work culture in the Indian film industry has gained renewed momentum, with filmmaker Hansal Mehta openly supporting actor Deepika Padukone's demand for more humane working conditions. Mehta, known for acclaimed projects like Scam 1992 and Shahid, has sharply criticized the industry's grueling 12-hour work shifts, describing how exhaustion has become a normalized part of showbiz life.
The Reality of 12-Hour "Shifts"
Hansal Mehta took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to highlight the harsh realities behind the euphemistic term "shift." According to him, a 12-hour workday barely captures the chaos endured—from frantic shoots to endless commutes, rushed meals, and just a few hours of broken sleep. "Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this equation? Weekends are rarely weekends; breaks are looked down upon. Somewhere along the way exhaustion became normalized and rest became a privilege," Mehta lamented.
He questioned whether such a system, which relentlessly drains its people, can truly be called an industry. Mehta stressed that while stars and directors are often well looked after, the daily wagers—the core workforce—suffer the most. These workers, who hold the base of the industry pyramid, are usually the first to arrive and the last to leave, surviving conditions that would be deemed inhuman anywhere else.
Support for Deepika Padukone's Stand
Deepika Padukone had recently reignited the conversation by demanding structured eight-hour workdays after becoming a mother, a move that reportedly led to her exit from the film Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Padukone pointed out the double standards in the industry, noting that male superstars have been working 8-hour days for years without similar scrutiny.
Hansal Mehta echoed her sentiments and added that the normalization of 12-hour working days feels exploitative and should be the exception, not the rule. He recounted an experience where finishing a day's work in 8-9 hours was met with producers asking for "a little more," ironically causing unnecessary delays. "Hours were stretched, not utilized," he said, emphasizing that efficiency should not come at the cost of people's well-being.
Mental and Physical Well-being at the Forefront
Calling for empathy and sustainable work practices, Mehta said, "The need of the hour is efficiency and economy but not at the cost of people. We must care about the physical and mental health of those who keep this industry running."
He also condemned the industry's attitude toward rest, urging that it should not be a luxury but a fundamental right. He highlighted how even global corporations entering the market adapt to these broken systems because it remains profitable, perpetuating the cycle.
The Broader Industry Challenge
The debate brings to light the systemic exploitation within the film and television sectors, including OTT platforms. Mehta lamented how breaks are frowned upon, and exhaustion is accepted as a normal part of life for many in the industry, especially those with less power.
He reinforced the message that prioritizing well-being is not only humane but would ultimately enhance the quality, efficiency, and profitability of the work produced.
This debate reflects a growing awareness and demand for change in Bollywood and beyond, emphasizing respect for mental health, structured work hours, and humane treatment of all workers behind the glamour of filmmaking.