“Male Actors Get That Privilege”: Radhika Madan Backs Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Shift Demand

“Burnout Is Real”: Radhika Madan Joins Call for 8-Hour Workdays

As conversations about fair working conditions in the film industry continue, actress Radhika Madan has publicly supported Deepika Padukone’s recent stance on standardizing 8-hour shoot schedules, emphasizing the importance of equal treatment for all actors—regardless of gender.

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The discussion gained momentum after reports surfaced that Deepika had stepped away from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, allegedly after requesting an 8-hour workday. The move reignited broader debates around work-life balance and gender disparity in Bollywood.

At a recent event, Radhika Madan spoke out in support of Deepika’s request, stating, “Male actors are given that privilege. Why shouldn’t women ask for the same without being labelled difficult?” She further emphasized that when women advocate for healthier working conditions, such demands should be seen as standard expectations, not controversial.

She urged the industry to acknowledge mental and emotional well-being as an essential aspect of the filmmaking process. “Burnout is real. The industry needs to recognize that actors are human, not machines,” she added, calling for mutual respect and understanding across genders in professional settings.