Sonakshi Sinha has lent her support to Deepika Padukone’s demand for an eight-hour work shift in the film industry, following Deepika’s reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit over unmet work conditions. The topic has sparked widespread discussion in Bollywood about structured working hours and personal time for actors.
In a recent interview with India Today, Sonakshi said, “If Deepika left the project for this reason, I think it’s a very fair one. I’ve worked with male actors who strictly work only eight hours. Why should it be different for female actors?” She emphasized that scheduling can be managed to accommodate shorter shifts without disrupting production.
Highlighting her 15-year journey in the industry, Sonakshi noted that time for self-care is essential, especially when a role demands high physical fitness. “If I need time to hit the gym, I should get it. Otherwise, I’m happy to do long hours. But where it’s not necessary, changes can be made,” she explained.
Deepika Padukone had reportedly requested an 8-hour workday, a profit-sharing deal, and to avoid delivering dialogues in Telugu — conditions reportedly declined by the director. She was later replaced by Triptii Dimri opposite Prabhas in Spirit.
Meanwhile, Sonakshi will next appear in Nikita Roy, a supernatural thriller directed by her brother Kussh S Sinha, co-starring Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, and Suhail Nayyar. The film releases in theatres on 27 June 2025, clashing with Kajol’s horror film Maa.
