Marking World Mental Health Day, Deepika Padukone has delivered a powerful and candid interview, shedding light on critical issues within the Indian film industry. While known for her advocacy for mental health, this conversation also delves into the crucial aspect of workplace well-being, especially in a profession that often demands immense commitment and can be prone to chaos. This discussion comes at a time of significant public interest, following Padukone’s recent departures from major film projects, including Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s highly anticipated sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.
In a revealing conversation with CNBC-TV18, Padukone highlighted the urgent need for greater organization and the eradication of gender bias within the influential film sector. She specifically pointed to disparities in pay, working hours, and the acceptance of unreasonable demands, advocating for substantial change.
“I have been very vocal about this,” Padukone stated, “that surely but surely I am focused on bringing about change in the workplace as far as the Indian film industry is concerned because it is brutal…And I think we have a tendency of working in a way that is ‘chalta hai’. If a system has been working well for this long, then why shake the apple cart? And I have never really been that person. I am always looking at how can we better something?”
Addressing the widespread discussion surrounding her alleged demand for 8-hour work shifts, Padukone drew attention to the stark gender bias inherent in such debates. “It is not secret that a lot of male superstars in the film industry have been working 8-hour days for years, and it has never made headlines,” she pointed out. She also noted that many women, particularly new mothers, have similarly worked 8-hour shifts without this ever gaining public attention.
The core of her critique, she explained, lies in the industry’s disorganization. “While the Indian film industry is termed an industry, we have never really worked like an industry. We are a very disorganised industry, and I think it is time that we brought in some sort of system into this culture.”
Do you agree with Deepika’s strong stance on transforming the industry?