The Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga issue has turned the spotlight on work-life balance. Deepika exited Prabhas' Spirit ostensibly because she didn't want to work long hours.
The definition of "long" is not settled in the context of the Indian film industry. Is eight hours normal and ten hours long? Is eight hours normal for a mother? Is ten hours okay for a father because he is male?
But the situation seems to be so bad that these questions sound naive. Speaking in a recent interview, Radhika Apte revealed that many artists have to work for 12-16 hours a day. No shoot commences on time in India. The lack of professionalism and discipline seems to be taking a toll on working mothers like Deepika and Radhika Apte.
In this context, some filmmakers are sensitive to work-life balance. Mani Ratnam has backed Deepika Padukone. “I think it’s a rightful demand. I am glad she is in a position to ask for it and open the doors for the others. It’s not unreasonable," the celebrated filmmaker said.
While Deepika is a superstar and can have her way if the filmmaker is sympathetic, most artists don't have that luxury. If you are not ready to put in at least 12 hours, you might stand to lose a film. Most actresses in most films are replaceable.
