The Deepika Padukone Debate: Kabir Khan Weighs In On The Importance Of Work-Life Balance In Bollywood

The recent controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s reported feud with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over her demand for an 8-hour workday has sparked a much-needed conversation about the importance of work-life balance in the film industry. Several industry insiders have come out in support of the actress, and now, director Kabir Khan has added his voice to the debate.

A Fair Demand: Kabir Khan Defends Deepika Padukone

In an interview with Movified, Kabir Khan spoke about the need for proper working hours in the film industry, citing mental health and better efficiency as key benefits. "I work with 500 crew members who each have families and their own lives. Their well-being matters, not just for efficiency, but for their mental health," he said. Khan also pointed out that even male actors, including Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar, work on an 8-hour shift, so it’s only fair that Deepika Padukone be given the same consideration.

The Myth Of The "Sacrificial" Filmmaker

Khan rejected the notion that filmmaking comes at the cost and sacrifice of personal life. According to him, work should have a structure, and filmmakers should prioritize their well-being and that of their crew. "These are basic rules," he asserted. Khan revealed that he himself has never shot more than 12 hours, never worked overtime, and never worked on Sundays. This approach, he believes, is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring that everyone involved in the project is able to perform at their best.

Remuneration And Worth: Kabir Khan Weighs In

When asked about Deepika Padukone’s reported fee demand of Rs 25 crore, Kabir Khan said that remuneration should align with audience appeal and box office draw. Given her massive popularity and ability to attract huge crowds to theaters, Khan believes that Deepika deserves to be paid what she’s worth. "Whoever brings in the viewers, whether an actor, director, man or woman… they deserve to be paid what they’re worth," he said.

The Future Of Bollywood: A New Era Of Work-Life Balance

As the debate surrounding Deepika Padukone’s demands continues, it’s clear that the film industry is on the cusp of a significant shift. With more and more actors and filmmakers speaking out about the importance of work-life balance, it’s likely that we’ll see a new era of more sustainable and healthy working practices in Bollywood. As Kabir Khan so eloquently put it, "It’s that simple." By prioritizing the well-being of crew members and actors alike, the industry can ensure that everyone involved in a project is able to perform at their best, leading to better films and a more positive work environment.

What’s Next For Deepika Padukone?

On the professional front, Deepika was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again. She has Atlee and Allu Arjun’s next AA22 X A6 in her kitty, with the announcement video hinting that she will play the role of a warrior princess in the film. With her career going from strength to strength, it’s clear that Deepika Padukone is a force to be reckoned with in Bollywood. As the industry continues to evolve and prioritize work-life balance, it will be exciting to see how Deepika and other actors navigate this new landscape and continue to thrive.

ALSO READ | Rana Daggubati weighs in on Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s limited working hours controversy: ‘There are actors who shoot for 4 hours’

In conclusion, the debate surrounding Deepika Padukone’s demands has sparked a vital conversation about the importance of work-life balance in the film industry. With Kabir Khan and other industry insiders weighing in, it’s clear that the industry is on the cusp of a significant shift towards more sustainable and healthy working practices. As we move forward, it will be exciting to see how this new era of work-life balance shapes the future of Bollywood and benefits everyone involved in the industry.

Content originally published by indianexpress.com