Pankaj Tripathi Backs Deepika Padukone, Urges for Reasonable Work Hours In Film Industry

Actor Pankaj Tripathi opens up about practicing polite refusals and setting limits at work, supporting Deepika Padukone’s stand for an 8-hour workday. Mani Ratnam also backs the actor’s request.

Pankaj Tripathi joins Deepika Padukone in advocating for reasonable working hours in the film industry.

Source : IMDb

In an industry where long shoot days are often the norm, more and more voices are beginning to question the toll it takes—on health, family, and personal boundaries. Actor Pankaj Tripathi is the latest to speak out, aligning with the wave sparked by reports of Deepika Padukone setting an 8-hour work limit on her upcoming film commitments.

Deepika reportedly exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film 'Spirit' after expressing a desire for shorter working hours following her pregnancy, a move that allegedly did not sit well with the filmmaker. The situation sparked debate across the industry, with some supporting the need for healthier work culture—and others pushing back.

Pankaj Tripathi supports Deepika Padukone

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Pankaj Tripathi opened up about his ongoing effort to set personal boundaries at work. “Right now, I’m practicing saying ‘no.’ Because everyone should know where the boundary is – that this is the line, and beyond this, it’s a polite ‘no.’”

The acclaimed actor, known for roles in 'Mirzapur', 'Newton', and 'Mimi', reflected on times when his work hours became physically taxing. “Kaam mein khiche jaa raha hai. 16 ghanta-18 ghanta ho gaya main laga hua hu. Main bol bhi raha hu, actor jaa chuka hai. Labour ruka hua hai.” His words underline how even seasoned performers often get pulled into relentless schedules.

Tripathi further emphasized the importance of respectful refusal: “Phir laga nahi, abhi toh aap vinamrata purvak bol dijiye ki ‘Nahi, itna hi hoga. Humne commit ye kiya tha, commitment humari poori ho gayi. Ab dhanyavaad. Jo bacha hai, kal karenge.’”

Mani Ratnam supports Deepika

Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam has also voiced his support for Deepika Padukone, affirming the legitimacy of her request. In an interview with News18 Showsha, Ratnam said, “I think it is a rightful demand. I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it.”

He continued, “I think as a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when you cast. It is not an unreasonable thing to ask, but an absolute necessity. I think that should be the priority. You have to acknowledge that, understand it and work around it.”

As more established figures speak up about setting healthy professional limits, the conversation around actor rights, work-life balance, and humane working hours in the entertainment industry continues to gain momentum. With influential names like Tripathi and Ratnam weighing in, this could be a crucial step toward change.