The conversation around work-life balance and fair working hours in the Indian film industry continues to gain momentum, especially after Deepika Padukone’s recent request for an eight-hour work shift following her return to work as a new mother. Now, actress Hasleen Kaur, who was last seen in Ranbir Kapoor-starrer Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, has added her voice to the ongoing debate, calling for greater accountability and time management on film sets.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Hasleen spoke candidly about the long hours that have traditionally been normalised in the industry. While acknowledging the scale and time-bound nature of film projects, she pointed out that inefficiency often plays a major role in extending workdays unnecessarily. “We are making larger-than-life films, and yes, deadlines matter,” she said. “But let’s be honest—there’s a lot of time wasted on sets. If we manage ourselves better and eliminate those gaps, we can easily finish our work earlier instead of stretching shoots to 12 or even 14 hours.”
Hasleen further highlighted how technicians are officially booked for 12-hour shifts, after which their working hours are treated as extended time and charged accordingly. She stressed that similar accountability should apply to everyone on set. “Once you cross the 12-hour mark, it’s no longer one workday—it becomes one and a half days for technicians, and they charge more. This extra cost should be applicable across the board,” she explained. According to the actress, financial accountability would prompt producers to enforce tighter schedules and respect timelines more strictly.
Emphasising the human aspect of filmmaking, Hasleen underscored the importance of rest and mental well-being. “At the end of the day, we all want to go home, unwind, and come back to work with a fresh state of mind. Work-life balance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” she added.
Her remarks come weeks after Deepika Padukone addressed the issue in an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, following her reported exit from Kalki 2. Deepika reflected on long-standing challenges related to working conditions and pay parity in Bollywood. “I’ve dealt with this at many levels, and it’s not new to me,” she said, adding that she has always chosen to fight her battles quietly and with dignity. While her concerns have occasionally become public, Deepika emphasised that advocating for fair treatment has always been important to her.
As more voices from within the industry speak up, the discussion around sustainable work practices in Bollywood appears to be gaining much-needed attention.
