The conversation around gender parity and work-life balance in the film industry resurfaced after actor Kunal Kemmu shared his perspective on the demand for 8-hour work shifts for actors.
Kemmu appeared on the podcast Al About Her, hosted by his wife Soha Ali Khan, alongside her brother Saif Ali Khan. During the discussion, the trio spoke about work-life balance, a topic that has been widely debated in the entertainment industry.
Part of the conversation — particularly Kemmu’s remarks on actor Deepika Padukone’s call for shorter work shifts — has since gone viral online.
Deepika Padukone’s Demand for Shorter Workdays
Last year, Deepika Padukone advocated for 8-hour work shifts, especially for actors who are mothers, arguing that shorter schedules would allow performers to maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Her remarks sparked widespread discussion within the film industry, with several actors supporting the idea of more structured and manageable working hours on film sets.
“You Choose What You Want To Do”
Reacting to the topic on the podcast, Kemmu said that individuals must understand the choices they make when selecting a career.
“I feel that when we become 18 and when we are choosing governments of our country, we also have to choose what we want in life — what we signed up for,” he said.
Kemmu added that every professional decision comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
“Then don’t say that I want to be the biggest superstar and I want to be working in 10 films in a year. You choose what you want to do and know that it will come with its pros and cons.”
Debate Over Pay and Working Hours
During the discussion, Kemmu also touched on the relationship between working hours and pay in the entertainment industry.
“You can’t say I want to get paid more and I want to work less,” he remarked, drawing laughter from Saif Ali Khan.
Kemmu clarified that while flexibility is possible if an actor has strong market value, expectations around pay and workload should remain realistic.
“If you are that saleable in our business, then don’t say that the person working for 12 hours is getting paid more.”
Generational Differences in Work Culture
The actor also linked the debate to generational differences in attitudes toward work.
Referring to Gen Z and millennials, Kemmu said younger generations often emphasise lifestyle choices and personal exploration alongside their careers.
According to him, this sometimes leads to conflicting expectations around work, income, and leisure.
“If they are holidaying, that is a problem; if you cannot go because you are paid less, that is also a problem,” he said, highlighting the complexities of balancing ambition and personal priorities.