Before quitting Spirit, DP had called for fixed working hours

Deepika Padukone’s decision to step away from Spirit hasn’t just made headlines—it’s reignited an important industry-wide conversation. Her exit from the Sandeep Reddy Vanga film over her demand for an eight-hour workday has put the spotlight back on the long-overdue need for healthier work culture in Bollywood.

But Deepika’s stand isn’t new. Long before becoming a mother, the actor had been vocal about setting boundaries, championing fair schedules, and advocating better treatment for crew members behind the scenes.In an earlier conversation with Film Companion, Deepika shared that her struggle with depression made her truly understand the importance of work-life balance and its impact on mental health. She recalled how overwhelming schedules once took a toll on her well-being, prompting her to set firm boundaries.

Deepika emphasized that prioritizing balance wasn’t just a choice, but a necessity—one she’s committed to in order to avoid burnout.The actress also addressed the cultural mindset around self-care, pointing out how in India, especially in the corporate world, taking time off is often seen as unprofessional or lacking ambition. She firmly disagreed with this notion, stressing that one can be dedicated and driven while still prioritizing personal time.

After all, she argued, without rest and recovery, it’s impossible to pour energy back into your work.In the same interview, she also emphasized the need for fixed working hours, especially for crew members. As a producer, she expressed her desire to reform on-set schedules, challenging the belief that longer hours lead to quicker results. Instead, she advocated for adequate rest and downtime, believing it boosts energy, efficiency, and overall work quality.Deepika also highlighted the importance of fair compensation for crew members who work overtime. She pointed out that while actors and directors often receive recognition and rewards, it’s the crew that puts in the longest hours—arriving early and leaving late. She stressed the need for a system that ensures they’re paid for extra hours on an hourly basis, promoting a more equitable work environment.After Deepika Padukone walked out of Spirit, Triptii Dimri was cast in the film in the lead role, along with Prabhas.