Actor Ishita Dutta weighs in on the ongoing debate over work hours in Bollywood, backing Deepika Padukone’s call for an eight-hour workday. Dutta, who is a mother of two, says the demand is not unreasonable and argues that production houses can choose whether to accommodate shorter shifts, but they should not ridicule actors who make such requests.
Across outlets, Dutta’s central point is that working-hour expectations tied to motherhood can be overlooked by others in the industry. She suggests that only those who have experienced the realities of having a baby can fully understand how such arrangements matter. At the same time, she acknowledges that producers may prefer performers who are available for longer 12–15 hour days, framing the decision as a matter of personal choice for both sides rather than a fixed standard.
Dutta also notes she is not currently in a position to make a similar demand herself, even though she says she has worked longer hours in the past when the makers were considerate about letting her leave early. Her comments land as public attention continues around Deepika’s remarks and related reporting about working terms in ongoing film projects.
