After Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift demand debate, Madhuri Dixit reveals she clocked 12 hours in Mrs. Deshpande: ‘I’m…’

Madhuri Dixit reveals her 12-hour work schedule in Mrs. Deshpande amid Deepika Padukone's 8-hour work shift demand. Read what she said.

In the fast-paced world of Bollywood, long schedules and elongated working hours are the industry norms. But amidst this race, the work-life balance of celebrities is often compromised. Among the many celebrities, Deepika Padukone was the first actress to speak about an acceptable shooting debate. Ever since she reportedly exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD sequel over disagreements regarding work hours, the debate around acceptable shooting shifts has intensified. While many have weighed in, actor Madhuri Dixit has now shared her perspective, adding another layer to the ongoing discussion about work culture in the entertainment industry.

Deepika’s Exit and the Growing Debate

According to reports, Deepika Padukone walked out of Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD due to disagreements over working hours, allegedly preferring an 8-hour shift. In an interview, Deepika defended her stance, saying: “By virtue of being a woman, if that’s coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it.”

She also reportedly pointed out that while many prominent male stars have comfortably worked 8-hour shifts for years without attracting negative headlines, the film industry remains “disorganised” in many aspects.

Madhuri Dixit’s Take: ‘I’m a workaholic.’

Joining the debate, Madhuri Dixit shared her own experience. Reflecting on the conversation around Deepika’s alleged demand, Madhuri said: “The thing is that when we did ‘Mrs Deshpande’, we were working 12-hour shifts every day, like maybe more sometimes… So, I think to each his own. I’m a workaholic.”

She also shared how her work ethic can differ from others and how that doesn’t invalidate anyone’s personal boundaries or choices. She added: “So for me, maybe it’s different, but if a woman has that power and can say, ‘okay, I want to work these many hours,’ then that’s her prerogative, and that’s her life, and that’s how she wants to do it… Then more power to her.”

About Mrs Deshpande

Directed by Nagesh Kukunoor, Madhuri Dixit is all geared up for her next project, Mrs Deshpande. The show is an official remake of the French thriller La Mante. The story follows a serial killer who agrees to help catch a copycat murderer, but only on the condition that she works exclusively with her estranged son, creating an emotionally charged and complex partnership. The series is set to release on December 19 on JioHotstar.