The recent fallout between Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga over her departure from the film Spirit has sparked a broader industry debate surrounding work-life balance, particularly in the context of eight-hour workdays for actors.
Amid the controversy, veteran actress Renuka Shahane has voiced a balanced perspective, emphasising that the number of hours an actor chooses to work should ultimately be a personal decision rather than a universal mandate.
While speaking to a leading publication, Renuka Shahane clarified that she doesn’t believe the conversation should be gender-specific. She pointed out that several male actors, like their female counterparts, also prefer shorter workdays to spend time with their families. In her view, the issue cannot be generalised and should instead be approached as an individual preference.
As a mother herself, Renuka Shahane reflected on the realities many working mothers face, particularly in television. She cited examples of women in daily soaps who manage 18-hour shifts while raising their children, sometimes even bringing them to the set. According to her, these women make a conscious choice based on personal or financial reasons and if producers are on board with such arrangements, that agreement should be respected.
Renuka Shahane believes that no one should impose limits or requirements on work hours, especially when those involved are willingly taking on the challenge. For some mothers, such extended hours might not just be a necessity but a preference too.
Renuka Shahane also underlined the importance of mutual respect and understanding between actors and filmmakers. According to her, decisions like shift durations must be based on shared consent and not dictated by one party alone. She believes that a healthy working relationship depends on a foundation of respect without which collaboration becomes impossible. She said that signing a project should be a reflection of that shared agreement which is based on mutual respect and trust.
On the professional front, Renuka Shahane was last seen in the Marathi film Devmanus, directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, which hit theatres on April 25. She also appeared as Pushplata Yadav in a web series Dupahiya, which premiered on March 7, 2025.
Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit continues to generate headlines. Although she hasn’t explicitly commented on the matter, reports indicate that the actress, now a new mother, had requested more manageable working hours, along with a sizable remuneration and a profit-sharing agreement.
These terms reportedly clashed with the director’s vision, resulting in her stepping away from the project. In a recent post, Deepika subtly addressed the issue, hinting that staying true to her priorities as a mother was her guiding principle.
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