Mumbai: Actor Rashmika Mandanna has shared an honest reflection on the ongoing debate around working hours in the Indian film industry, admitting that her own habit of overworking has taken a toll on her well-being.

In a recent interview with Gulte, the Animal star said that while she’s known for tirelessly dedicating herself to her projects, she has now realised that pushing beyond healthy limits isn’t something to be proud of.

“I overwork, and I am telling you it’s highly not suggestible. It’s not sustainable, don’t do it,” Rashmika said. “Do what’s comfortable for you, do what’s right for you, get those 8 hours, get those 9–10 hours also, because trust me, that’s going to save you later. I’ve seen a lot of these conversations recently about work hours. I’ve done both, and I’m telling you this is not worth it.”

Rashmika added that even if she wished for that extra family time now, she can't take it. "But if I could choose for myself, I would say, please don't make us actors do that. Not just actors- directors, lightmen, musicians, everyone. Like offices have 9-5, let us have that. Because there's still a family life I want to focus on, there's still my sleep that I want to get in, and I still want to work out so that later on I'm not regretting that I wish I was healthy and fit when I was younger. I am still thinking about my future, but right now I don't have a say because I'm taking on too much."

Rashmika’s comments come amid an intensifying industry-wide conversation about structured work schedules for actors. The topic gained traction after reports of Deepika Padukone stepping away from two major projects: Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, allegedly due to her insistence on fixed eight-hour workdays.

The move has triggered widespread discussion about work-life balance in the film industry, where long shooting hours and erratic schedules have long been normalised.

Producer’s praise and Rashmika’s perspective

At a recent event promoting Rashmika’s upcoming film The Girlfriend, producer Sreenivasa Kumar praised her professionalism, calling her 'the only actor who doesn’t insist on fixed work hours.'