After Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ and the sequel to ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, there’s been a debate on the eight-hour shift. Reportedly, the actress no longer was a part of these movies because of some demands, one of them being an 8-hour shift. While many celebrities have spoken up about it, in a recent interview, Jyotika opened up about the contrasting experiences she faced in Bollywood and the Tamil film industry, highlighting differences in opportunities, work culture, and attitudes towards actresses balancing work and family life. In an interview with Times Entertainment, the actress reflected on how her career trajectory unfolded differently across the two industries and also weighed in on the debate surrounding actor Deepika Padukone’s reported demand for eight-hour work shifts.Recalling her early career struggles, Jyotika revealed that Bollywood and the Tamil industry responded very differently to setbacks. “When my first Hindi film didn’t work at the box office, Bollywood shut the door for me. However, when my first Tamil film didn’t work out, people looked up to my work and flooded me with options. That’s one major difference,” she shared.At the same time, Jyotika acknowledged that Hindi cinema has changed over the years, especially when it comes to storytelling for women. “Now when I have returned to Bollywood, I can see a change. The kind of scripts they are writing for women in their 40s, South is yet to explore that side. I feel they both have their pluses and minuses,” she said.The actress also pointed to differences in work schedules, noting that South Indian film industries generally maintain stricter shooting hours. “I don’t know because in South we have our shifts getting over at 6. They pack up at 6 for 99 percent films. We start early morning — it is always like 7 to 6 or 9 to 6,” Jyotika explained.Actor Sonakshi Sinha, who joined the discussion, questioned why requests for shorter work schedules by actresses still become controversial. “Why are we even questioning it yet? There are so many male actors who don’t work a minute beyond eight hours. Irrespective of whether their shot is done or not, they sit in their car and leave. Nobody questions them,” she said.She further added, “Now, I feel if you are an actor and have reached a level where you are doing such good work and have been in the industry for long enough, it is okay to demand an eight-hour shift.”Backing the point, Jyotika emphasised how such flexibility becomes even more important for women managing motherhood alongside work. “Especially when you are a mom,” she said. Sonakshi echoed the sentiment, adding, “Yes, especially after you have just given birth. It is okay. She deserves that.”The actresses are currently preparing for the release of their upcoming courtroom drama series System.The discussion also comes months after Deepika Padukone became part of an industry-wide conversation following reports that she had stepped away from major projects, including Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD Part 2.
