Hansal Mehta Critiques Bollywood: ‘Exhaustion is Normal, Rest is a Luxury’
Hansal Mehta has expressed concern about work culture in Bollywood following Deepika Padukone’s recent comments on her demand for an 8-hour work shift.
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has voiced strong opinions regarding the work culture of Bollywood, particularly in light of Deepika Padukone’s decision to exit major projects due to her request for an 8-hour workday as a new mom.
Hansal Mehta Critiques Bollywood’s Work Hours
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Mehta elaborated on the harsh working conditions within the Indian film industry. He stated, “In our field, a 12-hour day is simply termed a ‘shift.’ The chaos of shoots, lengthy commutes, rushed meals, and exceedingly limited sleep leave us drained. Where do mental health and physical well-being fit into this equation? Weekends often don’t exist, and breaks are frowned upon. Somewhere along the line, exhaustion was normalized, while rest became a luxury.”
He emphasized the plight of daily wage workers, particularly extras and crew on set, and noted their precarious conditions. “The hardest hit are the daily wage earners. They often arrive first and leave last, enduring conditions we would deem inhumane in other professions. Television is even worse, and the same disturbing trend has now infiltrated films and OTT platforms,” he added.
Concerns Over Corporate Influence
Reflecting on the influx of international studios into Indian cinema, Mehta criticized their adaptation to existing flaws rather than offering solutions. “We welcome global entities, hoping for improved systems. Yet, they frequently just conform to our broken ones because it’s financially beneficial. If we genuinely valued well-being—especially for those who uphold the foundation—we would not only perform better but live happier lives. Ironically, productivity and profit would flourish. First, however, we must embrace the simple concept of rest. Without it, what are we truly creating?”
Deepika Padukone’s Shift Request
Deepika Padukone’s recent exits from notable projects—including Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s *Spirit*—due to her request for an 8-hour shift have made headlines. Speaking at a public event, she remarked, “I’m someone who typically fights my battles quietly, and for some unexplainable reasons, they sometimes become public. It’s not how I was raised; for me, fighting silently and with dignity is key.”
What are your thoughts on the work culture in Bollywood?
