Ishita Dutta backs Deepika's 8-hour shift demand, says don't belittle others

Ishita Dutta backs Deepika Padukone amid eight-hour workday debate (Image Credits Instagram)

‘Drishyam: The Conclusion’ actress Ishita Dutta has voiced her support for Deepika Padukone’s demand for an eight-hour workday, calling it a reasonable request and saying actors should not be criticised for setting boundaries around their working hours.

In an interview recently, Ishita discussed the challenges of motherhood, the expectations placed on actors and the distinction between a production house choosing not to accommodate a request and belittling someone for making it.

Ishita Dutta calls Deepika Padukone’s eight-hour shift demand reasonable

Speaking to The Free Press Journal, Ishita said she did not consider Deepika’s demand for an eight-hour shift unreasonable. The mother of two pointed out that actors have different personal circumstances and that not everyone is willing or able to work 12–15-hour days.“I think it's not an unreasonable ask,” Ishita said.She acknowledged that production houses may prefer to work with actors who can commit to longer schedules. However, she argued that such a preference should not become a reason to ridicule those who ask for shorter working hours.According to Ishita, the decision to accommodate an eight-hour shift ultimately rests with the production house, but the request itself should not be treated as a problem.

Ishita Dutta on production houses and work hours

Ishita clarified that a production house has the right to decline an actor’s request for an eight-hour workday. She believes the issue arises when the request is made to seem unreasonable or becomes the subject of unnecessary criticism.“I'm saying giving it or not (8 hour shift) is your personal choice, so production can say no but making a big deal about it and trying to not justify it that is where the problem lies,” she said.She added that there are plenty of actors willing to work 12–15-hour shifts, but their willingness should not be used to undermine colleagues who have different requirements.“There a lot of actors who you can take, who are willing to work for 12-15 hours. But you can not belittle the other person by saying that this is unreasonable ask,” Ishita said.

Ishita Dutta opens up on motherhood

Drawing from her own experience as a mother of two, Ishita said that the demands of motherhood can be difficult to fully appreciate without experiencing them firsthand.“You need to have a baby to realise how much of it goes,” she said.The actress also revealed that she had worked longer hours herself, but the makers she worked with were considerate and allowed her to leave early. Her experience, she suggested, reflects how flexibility and understanding can help actors manage professional commitments alongside family responsibilities.Ishita’s remarks come amid a wider conversation about working hours in the film industry, particularly the challenges faced by women balancing demanding shooting schedules with motherhood.

Ishita Dutta admits she is not yet in a position to demand an eight-hour shift

While supporting Deepika’s stance, Ishita admitted that she did not believe she was currently in a position to make a similar demand herself.“If you have the place where you can demand, I would also probably demand. I don't think I'm there yet,” she said.Her comments point to the power dynamics that can influence negotiations between actors and production houses. While established stars may have greater leverage to negotiate working conditions, other performers may feel less able to make similar requests.Ishita’s position is that actors should be able to raise such concerns without being dismissed, even if a production ultimately decides it cannot accommodate the request.

What is the controversy around Deepika Padukone’s eight-hour workday demand?

The debate surrounding Deepika Padukone’s eight-hour workday demand gained momentum in 2025, following reports that disagreements over working hours and other professional terms contributed to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ and the sequel to ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.

The actress later addressed the criticism, pointing out that several male superstars had followed eight-hour work schedules for years without facing similar scrutiny.The discussion has since raised broader questions about work-life balance, gender expectations and whether actors should be judged for seeking more structured working hours.

Ishita Dutta’s current work slate

Ishita Dutta was recently seen in ‘Drishyam: The Conclusion’, in which she is part of the franchise’s ensemble cast. Dutta played Anju Salgaonkar, the elder daughter of Vijay Salgaonkar, played by Ajay Devgn and Nandini Salgaonkar, essayed by Shriya Saran, in the hit thriller franchise 'Drishyam' (2015) and 'Drishyam 2' (2022).