Mumbai: Actor Rana Daggubati has weighed in on the ongoing industry conversation about long work hours and work-life balance for actors, following Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit due to disagreements over her request for an 8-hour shift.
In an interview with Lallantop Cinema, Rana offered a nuanced perspective, saying the matter is not universal and varies by region, project, and personal choice.
“It depends on the project, the person, and the region,” he said. “In Maharashtra, it’s a 12-hour shift. In Telugu cinema, it’s usually 8 hours, starting at 7 AM.”
🕒 Long Hours in Showbiz: Personal or Professional?
Rana stressed that filmmaking isn’t a job but a lifestyle for many artists and that no one is “forced” into working long hours.
“Nobody is forcing anybody. It’s a job. You can’t be forced to do a job,” he said. “Some actors work only 4 hours a day and still accomplish more than others who work for 8. Everyone has their own system. It’s not a general discussion.”
He cited the recent comment by Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy, who advocated for a 12-hour workday, to underline how work-life balance is a broader debate, not just limited to the film industry.
🎬 Cultural Differences Across Film Industries
Rana pointed out that work culture in Indian cinema differs widely between regions, influenced by city pace and production scale.
“The city gives into certain things. If it’s a big spectacle film, maybe only two shots happen in a day. So, it’s always contextual.”
He also noted that the Telugu film industry had evolved significantly since moving out of Madras, and the expectations around schedules have become more structured.
📌 The Deepika Padukone–Spirit Controversy
The discussion around work shifts gained momentum after Deepika Padukone allegedly stepped away from Spirit over unmet demands, including:
- An 8-hour workday
- A share in film profits
- Avoiding Telugu dialogue delivery
While she exited Spirit, Deepika has since signed on for Atlee’s upcoming Telugu film alongside Allu Arjun.
📺 What’s Next for Rana Daggubati?
Rana is now gearing up for Season 2 of Rana Naidu, the gritty Netflix drama where he stars alongside Venkatesh Daggubati, Arjun Rampal, Surveen Chawla, and others. The show is set to premiere on June 13.