Pankaj Tripathi demands 8-hour shift in film industry, joining a growing chorus of actors and filmmakers urging for healthier work boundaries, especially after Deepika Padukone’s recent departure from a film project over similar concerns. The debate around excessive work hours in India’s film industry has intensified, pushing issues of work-life balance and personal limits to the forefront of industry discussions.
Actors and Directors Voice Support for Shorter Workdays
The conversation about long work hours reignited after Deepika Padukone exited filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s project “Spirit,” citing her need for a six-hour schedule as a new mother. This decision led several prominent film personalities to speak up about the demanding nature of production schedules and the importance of respecting personal boundaries in the workplace.
Following the development, Pankaj Tripathi has stepped forward to advocate for change. In recent days, he highlighted that he consistently works on sets for 16 to 18 hours at a stretch and expressed that such extended hours are unsustainable. The actor described his current struggle with learning when and how to refuse unreasonable demands, stating,
“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,’”
—Pankaj Tripathi, Actor.
He recounted times when actors would leave but crew members and labourers remained on set, pushing work well beyond normal hours:
“I am working 16–18 hours straight. I’m even saying, the actor has left, the labourers are still waiting,”
—Pankaj Tripathi, Actor.
Industry Leaders Join the Call for Balance
Pankaj Tripathi’s remarks have sparked further momentum, with esteemed director Mani Ratnam openly supporting Deepika Padukone’s plea for manageable work hours. Ratnam addressed the fairness of such demands from actors, saying,
“I think it is a rightful demand. I think as a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when you cast.”
—Mani Ratnam, Filmmaker.
Notable actors including Ajay Devgn, Kajol, and Saif Ali Khan have also spoken out, emphasizing the importance of family time and echoing the need for standard workdays in cinema production. These voices represent a growing consensus that the industry must adapt to maintain the well-being of everyone involved—from stars to supporting staff.
Pankaj Tripathi’s Recent Projects and Industry Impact
Alongside his advocacy, Pankaj Tripathi continues his work in major projects. He recently appeared in
“Criminal Justice Season 4: A Family Matter,”
with the latest episodes streaming on JioHotstar. In this season, actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub plays Dr. Raj Nagpal, who becomes the central suspect in the case surrounding nurse Roshni’s murder. Tripathi, reprising his role as advocate Madhav Mishra, steps in as the story tackles complex issues like infidelity, mental health, and family relationships.
The mounting demand for regulated work hours marks a significant point in the ongoing discussion about workplace standards within India’s film industry. As prominent figures like Pankaj Tripathi, Deepika Padukone, and Mani Ratnam take a stand, the shift could influence long-term cultural change, signaling to producers and directors that employee well-being shapes both productivity and creative success. The continued conversation around work-life balance is likely to encourage reforms, resonating across sets and production teams throughout the country.
