Yami Gautam Supports Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Workday Demand, Says Time Caps Differ for Every Actor

Actor Deepika Padukone’s recent decision to withdraw from two major films has revived an intense debate over work culture in Bollywood. Her request for an eight-hour workday—reportedly one of the reasons she stepped away from Spirit and Kalki 2—has sparked conversations about fairness, work-life balance, and how the industry treats women.

Adding her voice to the discussion, Yami Gautam emphasised that limited-hour work arrangements are not new in the industry and questioned why such negotiations become controversial only when a woman initiates them.

Speaking about the issue, Yami pointed out that actors—especially senior male stars—have long had fixed-hour schedules. “Only eight hours a day, five days a week, no night shoots… many actors already work like this. These things are generally pre-decided among the director, producer and actor,” she said, highlighting that such agreements have existed informally in Bollywood for decades.

For Yami, the bigger concern lies in the gendered framing of the conversation. She expressed disappointment that a female actor’s request has turned into a public argument. “Why is it an issue when a female actor asks for it? At the end of the day, we are humans making art under demanding circumstances,” she noted.

Deepika’s decision also reignited discussions around motherhood and professional commitments. Yami stressed that working mothers across industries deserve understanding, saying, “Working or a homemaker, every mother is special and does everything she can for her child.”

However, Yami acknowledged the complexities of formalising strict time limits on film sets. The nature of filmmaking—dependent on locations, permissions, multiple actors, and large technical crews—makes universal rules difficult. “A time cap is subjective. It depends on the understanding between the actor, producer and director,” she explained.

Industry reactions to Deepika’s exit have been mixed, with some arguing that rigid time caps are impractical, while others believe that sustainable working hours are overdue in an industry known for long, erratic schedules. Many professionals note that consistent hours could help ensure better mental health and productivity, especially for women balancing household responsibilities.

Yami reiterated that fixed-hour agreements have been quietly practiced for years. “There’s nothing wrong in asking for time if it suits the production. If it suits them, they go ahead. If it doesn’t, they don’t,” she said, framing the matter as one of mutual negotiation rather than controversy.

As conversations around equitable working conditions gain momentum, Padukone’s stance—and Gautam’s support—has pushed the industry to rethink its deeply entrenched approach to time, labour, and gender expectations.

Yami Gautam will next be seen in HAQ, which released in theatres on November 7.