Radhika Apte Had 'Multiple Arguments' After She Refused To Do Long Shifts: 'You Cannot Expect...'

For a long time now, several Bollywood celebrities have expressed their disappointment and concerns with regard to long working hours in the film industry. The latest actor on the list is Radhika Apte.

In a recent interview, Radhika was asked about one thing she would want to change in the showbiz world. The actress mentioned that long working hours are an issue. She revealed that even she has had multiple arguments with the producers of her projects whenever she has demanded shorter shifts.

“I’ll change the working hours to begin with. You can’t expect someone to go an entire week without seeing their child. I’ve had multiple conversations and arguments over refusing to do long shifts. You’ll be surprised at how much one has to fight. I find it quite baffling. And people say have a nanny and let them come on set. I’m sorry, but that’s really not the answer,” Radhika told Filmfare.

The actress stated that she would “appreciate a five-day work week and a 12-hour shift.” “I’ve started putting my foot down and a lot of people haven’t liked it. I can’t work beyond 12 hours. And that includes everything from travel, hair, makeup, and the shoot itself. If my travel takes two hours, then the shift has to be planned accordingly. Of course, there can be exceptions to this but that’s my non-negotiable. I insist on weekly offs and ideally wouldn’t want to work more than five days a week. Unless it is a small film where the project genuinely can’t function. I’d appreciate a five day a week and a 12-hour shift,” she added.

For the unversed, discussions regarding work-life balance in Bollywood started after Sandeep Reddy Vanga removed Deepika Padukone from Prabhas starrer Spirit last year. Reports suggest that Deepika’s demands, including eight-hour workdays, a high salary, and a share in the film’s profits, did not sit well with director Vanga. Deepika, a new mother, was reportedly seeking to balance her work and personal life by reducing her working hours.

Several celebrities, including Vikrant Massey, Rashmika Mandanna, Yami Gautam and Anurag Basu, have come out in support of Deepika amid the ongoing discussion.