Ishaan Khatter Backs Deepika Padukone
Ishaan Khatter Backs Deepika Padukone
The ongoing discussion about fair working hours in Bollywood has taken a new turn, with actor Ishaan Khatter voicing his support for balanced schedules and respect for everyone’s time on set. His comments come in the wake of Deepika Padukone’s reported decision to step away from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, after standing firm on her preference for an eight-hour workday.
Speaking to NDTV, Ishaan acknowledged the dedication that fuels the film industry but emphasized the importance of maintaining healthy work practices. “I’ve been on sets where sometimes the protocol of time has been abused,” he shared. “People need to be considerate about others’ time.” – Ishaan Khatter Backs Deepika Padukone
The Dhadak actor also shed light on the often-overlooked struggles of crew members who work longer hours behind the scenes. “As actors, we’re in a privileged position to decide how long we work. But many in the crew arrive an hour before us and leave after we wrap up. They face longer commutes and tougher schedules. Fairness means thinking about their wellbeing too,” he added.
Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone’s stance has sparked widespread debate about gender bias and work-life balance in the industry. Addressing the issue recently, Deepika remarked, “If standing up for my boundaries as a woman comes across as being pushy, then so be it. The truth is, several male superstars have worked eight-hour shifts for years, and no one has questioned them.” – Ishaan Khatter Backs Deepika Padukone
She further pointed out that many leading men in Bollywood maintain strict Monday-to-Friday schedules, avoiding weekend shoots — a standard that rarely triggers public scrutiny when applied to them.
Despite exiting two major projects, Deepika continues to have a packed lineup, including ‘King’ alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan, and an upcoming film with Allu Arjun, directed by Atlee.
As more voices like Ishaan’s join the conversation, the industry seems to be heading toward a larger reckoning — one that questions long-standing norms around work culture and advocates for fairness, empathy, and balance across all levels of filmmaking.
Ishaan Khatter Backs Deepika Padukone
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