As discussions around work-life balance continue to ripple through the Indian film industry, an old interview of Ranveer Singh has resurfaced online, reigniting debate at a sensitive moment. The clip has gone viral amid growing attention on his wife, actor Deepika Padukone, who has recently found herself at the centre of conversations about working hours, especially for new mothers.
The renewed controversy stems from reports that Deepika exited two high-profile projects after requesting an eight-hour workday. Earlier this year, she was said to have stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit when her request for limited hours was allegedly declined. The role later went to Triptii Dimri, sparking a broader industry discussion.
The issue gained further momentum when reports suggested Deepika had also exited the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, a major project featuring Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. While no official confirmation has been issued, the reports alone were enough to divide opinion within Bollywood, with some backing Deepika’s stance and others questioning its feasibility on large-scale productions.
Against this backdrop, netizens have revisited a 2022 interview in which Ranveer Singh spoke candidly about long working hours in the industry. In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, the actor admitted that his intense work ethic had often drawn complaints from fellow actors and their teams.
Ranveer shared that others had told him he was setting unrealistic expectations by routinely working beyond scheduled hours. He explained that many felt pressured to extend their own shifts because he often continued shooting for 10 to 12 hours despite an eight-hour schedule.
He further elaborated on his mindset, saying that if creative objectives were not achieved within fixed hours, he believed it was acceptable to work longer. Ranveer described himself as someone who does not view filmmaking as a transactional process, emphasizing flexibility in pursuit of artistic goals.
The resurfacing of these comments has drawn attention largely because of the contrast with Deepika’s recent stance. After welcoming their daughter Dua Padukone Singh last year, Deepika has spoken openly about how long working hours are normalized in the industry and how this culture can be especially demanding for new mothers.
She has stressed that an eight-hour workday is healthier both physically and mentally, particularly during early motherhood. Her remarks resonated with many within and outside the industry, reigniting long-standing conversations about sustainable working conditions in cinema.
Ranveer and Deepika, who married in 2018, have often been admired for their openness about balancing personal and professional lives. The current discourse, however, highlights how perspectives on work can evolve based on life stages, responsibilities, and individual experiences.
As Bollywood continues to grapple with questions around work hours, gender expectations, and parental responsibilities, the resurfaced interview underscores that the industry is at a crossroads. With more actors speaking out, the debate is likely to shape conversations around future production norms.
Deepika Padukone is currently preparing for her upcoming film King, which stars Shah Rukh Khan, while the discussion around fair working hours shows no signs of slowing down.
