Work-life balance always mattered to Deepika Padukone; even before ‘Spirit’

Deepika Padukone’s recent exit from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has turned the spotlight on a long-overdue conversation in Bollywood: the need for healthier working hours and better treatment of film crews.

Her decision, reportedly driven by a request for a reasonable eight-hour workday, has stirred discussions not only about actor schedules but also about broader issues like burnout, mental health, and work-life balance, topics Deepika has long been vocal about.

Deepika, who recently became a mother, has long advocated for balanced schedules, not just for actors, but for the entire film crew. Her move has sparked a much-needed conversation about the conditions under which film professionals, especially new mothers, are expected to work.

"Years ago, I realised the importance of finding a work-life balance"

In an earlier conversation with Film Companion, Deepika had spoken openly about how her personal experiences helped her set clear boundaries at work.

“That’s also where I draw the line in terms of my schedule. That’s the only place where I could start feeling that I’m not enjoying what I’m doing. The only other time I felt like that was when I was experiencing depression, but that’s very different because you have no control over your thoughts and feelings. Many years ago, I realised the importance of finding a work-life balance. I don’t intend to burn out, I’m not going anywhere."

She also pointed out the cultural expectations in India that often view taking time off negatively.

"Somehow, in our country, including the corporate world, taking leaves or wanting time for yourself carries a connotation of being unprofessional, not hardworking or driven enough. And I disagree. You can be all of those things and still make time for yourself. How are you going to replenish and put energy back into your work if you don’t?"

A push for change in crew working hours

As a producer, Deepika has expressed her intention to make changes that go beyond just the actors. She has called for streamlined work hours, especially for crew members.

"There is this sense that if you make people work extra and continuously, you get it done faster. My thinking is the exact opposite — people need to be given enough downtime and rest so that they come back with better energy. That’ll help you work faster and better the quality of your work too."

Compensate crew for overtime

Another major issue Deepika highlighted was fair compensation for overtime.

“Step 2 is to be compensated for overtime. Actors, at the end of the day, are going to walk away with the awards and the rewards, and so do the directors and everyone above board. The crew, on the other hand, comes in much earlier and leaves much later. Overtime may happen but we need to find a mechanism where they’re at least compensated for that on an hourly basis.”

After Deepika's exit, the makers of Spirit cast Triptii Dimri in the lead role opposite Prabhas.