There has been an active conversation around working hours in the film industry. It began with reports of Deepika Padukone walking out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga`s Spirit after her demand for an 8-hour shift was not fulfilled. Now, Rashmika Mandanna has shared her thoughts on the issue. She also spoke about how working hours differ from industry to industry, having worked in multiple languages, including Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, and Hindi.
Rashmika on the working hours debate
During an interview with Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, Rashmika stressed the importance of clear communication before signing a film. “Today the whole country is debating flexible hours, but that is a discussion to be had within the team, to figure out what works for them. It’s their personal choice,” she said, emphasizing that mutual understanding is key.
Speaking further on how shoot schedules differ across regions, the Sikandar actress said, “I work in multiple industries like in the South- Telugu, Kannada, or Tamil—where we usually work from 9 am to 6 pm. In Hindi cinema, it’s a 9 am to 9 pm shift. I am open to both because that’s what the film requires.”
Rashmika also acknowledged that there are days when working hours go well beyond 12 hours. “Some films may start with a 9 am to 9 pm schedule, but they carry on till the next day—you end up working for 36 hours. There are even worse scenarios where you work 2–3 days without going home,” she revealed.
Rashmika has worked with Sandeep Reddy Vanga previously on the film Animal co-starring Ranbir Kapoor.
Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga tiff
For the uninitiated, Deepika Padukone was reportedly replaced by Triptii Dimri in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-awaited film Spirit after she made several work-related requests as a new mother. Deepika welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with husband Ranveer Singh on September 8, 2024.
According to reports, Deepika requested an 8-hour workday, a pay hike, and a share in the film’s profits. She also reportedly declined to deliver her lines in Telugu, requesting that her dialogues be dubbed instead. This, reportedly, did not sit well with Vanga and the actress walked out of the film.
