Farah Khan pushes back on Deepika’s 8-hour shift demand: ‘Aise tapke hi toh sona banta hai’

Mumbai: The conversation around work-life balance in Bollywood has intensified following Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from ‘Spirit’, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas. The actress was allegedly dropped from the project after requesting an eight-hour workday and proposing other conditions, including a higher fee and a share in the film’s profits.

While several actors such as Kajol and Saif Ali Khan have spoken in favour of reasonable working hours within the industry, filmmaker Farah Khan has now offered a contrasting view.

In a recent vlog filmed at actress Radhikka Madan’s home, Farah brought up the topic during a candid chat about Radhikka’s early career. Radhikka, recalling her first audition for ‘Meri Aashiqui Tumse Hi’, shared how she immediately felt at ease in front of the camera despite having no prior experience.

“The moment the camera was switched on, I felt very safe,” said Radhikka. “I never felt that safe in my life. I wanted to be a professional dancer. The way I used to feel on stage -- you can't see anyone else -- I felt the same in front of the camera.”

She continued, “Of course I thought they wouldn’t cast me, but within three days I got a call for a look test, and two days after that, I was shooting for the show.”

Farah then asked, “You didn’t have an 8-hour shift, I’m guessing?”

Radhikka replied, “56 hours non-stop, or 48 hours non-stop.”

To this, Farah responded, “Aise tapke hi toh sona banta hai” -- roughly translated as “It is only under such pressure that gold is forged.”

Farah’s remarks highlight the ongoing divide in the industry over working hours, particularly in the wake of high-profile exits and increasing conversations about mental health, fair pay, and workplace reform in Bollywood.