Madhuri Dixit Weighs In On Bollywood’s 8-Hour Shift Debate: ‘Nobody Should Be Forced’

The conversation around working hours in Bollywood continues to intensify after reports claimed Deepika Padukone walked out of Spirit because the producers would not agree to her request for an 8-hour

work shift. The incident sparked widespread discussion on whether Indian film sets need regulated, humane working hours. Now, Madhuri Dixit has offered her perspective, becoming the latest star to weigh in on the debate.

Madhuri Dixit On Working Hours: ‘To Each His Own’

Speaking to ANI, Madhuri reflected on her own long hours on set, especially during the shoot of her upcoming series Mrs Deshpande. She explained that she has always been comfortable with extended workdays but believes every actor should have the freedom to choose.

She said, “The thing is that when we did Mrs Deshpande, we were working 12-hour shifts every day, like maybe more sometimes… So, I think to each his own. I’m a workaholic. So for me, maybe it’s different, but if a woman has that power and can say, ‘Okay, I want to work these many hours,’ then that’s her prerogative, and that’s her life, and that’s how she wants to do it… Then more power to her.”

Madhuri stressed that actors should not be compelled to follow a single standard. Instead, she believes the choice of work hours must remain personal, not institutional.

A Personal Choice, Not Industry Pressure

According to Madhuri, the ongoing debate should not become a rigid rule-setting exercise. She emphasised that the film industry has always functioned with flexibility and that no one should be shamed for demanding shorter—or longer—shifts.

Her stance adds nuance to a conversation that has been dominated by calls for stricter scheduling, with many pointing out the physical and mental toll of gruelling 16–18 hour shoots.

Rani Mukerji Earlier Said Decisions Depend On Producers And Actors

Before Madhuri, Rani Mukerji had also weighed in. She clarified that actors have always negotiated their working hours, even before the current public debate.

Rani had said, “These things are up for conversation today because maybe people are discussing it outside. But this has been the norm with all professions. I’ve also done it where I have worked for certain hours. If the producer’s okay with it, you go ahead with the film. If the producer isn’t okay with it, you don’t make the film. So it’s also a choice. Nobody is forcing anything on anybody.”

Her comments reinforce the idea that work-hour flexibility is not new — it’s simply more visible now because the issue has stepped into public discourse.