Rana Daggubati Reacts to Deepika Padukone’s 8-Hour Workday Demand: “Nobody Is Forcing Anybody”
New Delhi: The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s alleged demands on the sets of Spirit continues to stir conversations in the film industry. Reports suggest the actress was removed from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, due to her insistence on an 8-hour work shift, profit-sharing, a higher paycheck, and reportedly declining to deliver dialogues in Telugu.
As Deepika, now a new mother, advocated for a more balanced work-life approach, the debate intensified online and within industry circles. Adding his voice to the discussion, actor-producer Rana Daggubati recently addressed the matter in an interview with Lallantop Cinema.
Rana Weighs In: Work Hours Vary Across Industries
Rana Daggubati clarified that working hours differ based on regions and industry practices. “In Maharashtra, the norm is a 12-hour shift, while Telugu cinema generally follows an 8-hour schedule that starts at 7 AM,” he said.
He emphasized that work time isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. “Some films are large-scale productions where only a couple of key scenes are shot in a day. The level of preparation required changes the nature of the work,” he added.
“Nobody Is Forcing Anybody,” Says Rana
Responding to Deepika’s call for an 8-hour day, Rana made it clear that working in films is a personal choice. “Nobody is forcing anybody. It’s a job, and you can’t be compelled to do a job. Everyone prioritizes differently in life,” he explained.
He also shared that some actors work only four hours a day yet manage to accomplish more than others working eight. “That’s just their style. There’s no general rule,” he stated.
Deepika’s Exit from Spirit & Vanga’s Reaction
Following her exit, Spirit director Sandeep Reddy Vanga expressed disappointment through a post on X (formerly Twitter), indirectly criticizing Deepika. “There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you’ve disclosed the person that you are,” he wrote. He accused her of trying to undermine a younger actress and concluded, “You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.”
