Following reports that actress Deepika Padukone exited director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit after requesting a more flexible working schedule, actor Vikrant Massey has added his voice to an industry-wide conversation around the limits of working hours in Bollywood.
The reports indicate that the new mother Deepika recently asked for an eight-hour working day in addition to set working hours and terms of pay – a request which allegedly was not provided resulting in Deepika’s decision to walk from the project. The incident has sparked an industry-wide debate on the viability of flexible hours, especially for actresses who may find themselves embracing transitions of motherhood.
Speaking with Firstpost, Vikrant Massey voiced his affinity for fixed shifts and admitted he dreams of a time when eight-hour workdays will be the norm.
“Maybe in a couple of years…I want to go out and say, we can collaborate, but I would only work for eight hours. At the same time, it ought to be a choice,” he shared.
Massey acknowledged the practical issues and practicalities of producing a film. He noted that if hours are reduced, which they should be, a producer may have to reduce the salary of the actor.
“If my producer can’t accommodate that – because let’s be honest, there are a lot of things that come into play when you are making a film – money is very important and if I am going to work for eight hours instead of 12, I am not going to be the same salary,” he added.
He further clarified his position by saying, “If I am not able to give my producer 12 hours a day, I can’t go out there and ask not to charge less. I ought to charge less, it’s a give and take right?”
Importantly, Vikrant was supportive of Deepika’s individual choice, emphasizing that she was right to ask for better work-life balance.
“She was entitled to eight-hour shifts given she is a young mother,” he said. While the general industry is still considering whether to amend work-hour policies, Vikrant’s comments embody the feeling that artists should be provided space for personal well-being — even if it means to dissolve current norms.
On the professional front, Vikrant Massey is currently tied up promoting upcoming film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan: which also marks the acting debut of Shanaya Kapoor. The film is directed by Santosh Singh, and will be released in theatres on July 11.
