Work Hours Debate: Kajol Backs Flexibility!

The ongoing debate surrounding working hours in the Bollywood film industry, intensified by the recent reports of Deepika Padukone's alleged exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Spirit' over an 8-hour workday demand, has found a new voice in veteran actress Kajol. In a recent interview, Kajol revealed that her producers throughout her extensive career were largely "understanding" of her needs, particularly regarding work-life balance, stating, "I didn't work for 20-30 hours."

 

Kajol's comments offer a contrasting perspective to the demanding schedules often highlighted in the industry, suggesting that a more accommodating approach has been possible, even for top stars, for decades.

 

 

The Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga Row: A Catalyst for Discussion

 

The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone's reported departure from 'Spirit', a film set to star Prabhas, has ignited a significant conversation about the grueling schedules prevalent in Bollywood. Reports suggest that Padukone, who recently embraced motherhood, had requested an 8-hour shift, alongside other conditions like a share in profits and limitations on dialogue in Telugu, which ultimately led to a fallout with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Vanga later shared cryptic social media posts, widely believed to be aimed at Padukone, further fueling the debate.

 

This incident has brought to the forefront the challenges faced by actors, especially working mothers, in maintaining a healthy work-life balance in an industry known for its long, unpredictable hours.

 

 

Kajol's Experience: Prioritizing Life Beyond the Set

 

Promoting her upcoming film 'Maa', Kajol reflected on her own career trajectory and the choices she made to prioritize her family and personal well-being. "I was one of the few people who worked on one film at a time; I didn't do 4 films at the same time," she told PTI. "I used to finish one film, then start another. I didn't work for 20 or 30 hours. I was always very clear that we would work a certain amount only, and my mom also backed me up big time on it."

 

Kajol recounted instances where her producers displayed remarkable flexibility. She specifically mentioned shooting for 'U Me Aur Hum' (2008) when her father was hospitalized and her daughter Nysa was two. Her husband and producer, Ajay Devgn, ensured that she could leave early to attend to her family. Similarly, during the filming of 'Fanaa' (2006), Kajol stated that the team "worked around very comfortably without kind of making it an issue or even writing it in the contract, for that matter."

Her experience underscores that "most of the time, people do understand, and they work around you."

 

 

A Shift in Industry Dynamics or Personal Choices?

 

Kajol's insights highlight that setting boundaries and having supportive producers has been possible in Bollywood. Her comments suggest that while the industry is often perceived as demanding, individual choices and clear communication can lead to more accommodating work environments. This stands in contrast to recent reports that indicate an increasing rigidity in production schedules, making it harder for actors to negotiate flexible hours.

 

As the industry continues to grapple with issues of work-life balance, especially for women in cinema, Kajol's candidness offers a valuable historical perspective, suggesting that understanding and flexibility were, at times, integral to the production process. Her emphasis on conscious choices and the support system she had, including her mother and husband Ajay Devgn, paints a picture of how work and personal life can be harmonized in a demanding profession.

 

Kajol's upcoming film 'Maa', a horror-thriller, is slated for release on June 27.

 

 

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