Rana Daggubati insists 'it is not a factory' as Deepika Padukone's 8-hour shift demand refuses to die down

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone’s eight-hour shift demand has been making waves across the film industries ever since the Piku actress was dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, starring Prabhas. The news about Deepika, a new mother, not being a part of Spirit surfaced months ago, but it continues to spark conversations whenever actors-producers-directors huddle up. Telugu star-producer Rana Daggubati, too, yet again offered his POV during the recent The Hollywood Reporter India roundtable, insisting that it is not a factory. But Madhuri Dixit had a different opinion during another interview with ANI.

Rana Daggubati on 8-hour shift demand

When asked about the demand for eight-hour shifts, Rana Daggubati reiterated that it is a choice whether to commit to it.

“Like you either choose to be in it or not. It's not a factory. It's not like we sit for 8 hours the best scene is going to come out. We could sit for 50 and nothing might come out too,” he remarked during the THR roundtable.

Deepika, who became a mother in September 2024, allegedly left the Kalki sequel project after her request for an 8-hour workweek was not agreed upon by the makers. The actress was subsequently dropped from the other big Telugu project of Kalki 2, though she played a crucial role in the Kalki 2898 AD, alongside Prabhas. Notably, Rana starred alongside Prabhas in the blockbuster Baahubali films. 

Aslo read: Kaantha producer Dulquer Salmaan says ‘We were all clouded by the love for the film’; Rana Daggubati adds ‘It took us a while to figure out…’

The issue continues to spark debates and discussions across the film industries, with some actors fully backing Deepika’s demand while others not quite in agreement with it.

Also read: After parting ways with Kalki 2898 AD sequel, Spirit, Deepika Padukone's only south film is Atlee-Allu Arjun biggie 

Madhuri Dixit on Deepika Padukone's 8-hour shift demand

The latest Bollywood star to weigh in on Deepika’s demand is diva Madhuri Dixit, who confesses to be a ‘workaholic’ and has worked for 12-hour shifts for the upcoming Mrs Deshpande, which will stream on JioHotstar and OTTplay Premium. But during the ANI interview, Madhuri said if a woman wants to work a particular shift, “..Then that's her prerogative, and that's her life, and that's how she wants to do it...Then more power to her."

FAQs

Q. Is Deepika Padukone removed from Kalki?

A. Deepika Padukone was part of the 2024 film Kalki 2898 AD, but is no longer part of its sequel, as announced by the makers.

Q. What is Deepika's mother tongue?

A. Deepika Padukone comes from a Konkani-speaking family and considers Konkani as her mother tongue.

Q. What is the new movie of Dulquer Rana?

A. Kaantha is the new movie starring actors Dulquer Salmaan, Rana Daggubati and Bhagyashri Borse. Kaantha released in theatres on November 14 and is currently running in cinemas.