The conversation around work-life balance in Bollywood has been reignited after Deepika Padukone’s decision to step back from major projects like Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit, following the birth of her daughter Dua. Deepika has long advocated for healthier working conditions and is now reportedly pushing for eight-hour workdays on set, challenging an industry known for relentless hours and limited downtime.
Veteran actress Madhuri Dixit has weighed in on the debate, offering a nuanced take grounded in both personal experience and changing expectations. Speaking to ANI, Madhuri reflected on her career peak in the 1990s, acknowledging that the industry operated without clear boundaries between professional and personal life. Actors often adhered to demanding schedules, with little room to negotiate or pause.
While working on her new project Mrs Deshpande, Madhuri admitted that lengthy shooting days remain the norm. “When we did Mrs Deshpande, we were working 12-hour shifts every day, maybe more sometimes. So, I think to each his own. I’m a workaholic,” she said, revealing that long hours are still embedded in her routine and creative process.
At the same time, she expressed full support for Deepika’s choice to advocate for shorter working hours. According to Madhuri, the ability to set boundaries should be recognised as a valid personal and professional right. “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 how she wants to do it. Then more power to her,” she added.
Her comments reflect a broader shift in Bollywood, where discussions around safety, mental health, maternity, and flexible working conditions are gaining visibility. While some actors continue to thrive on demanding schedules, others are pushing for systemic change, particularly to support women balancing motherhood and full-time careers in entertainment.
Madhuri’s perspective also reflects her own evolution, both personally and professionally. After marrying Dr Shriram Nene and relocating to the US in 1999, she stepped away from cinema before returning with Aaja Nachle in 2007. She later became a familiar presence on reality shows, and eventually, the family returned to India, where Dr Nene transitioned to medical-tech entrepreneurship.
The contrasting approaches of Deepika and Madhuri highlight the diversity of work cultures within Bollywood today. While Madhuri embraces long hours and uninterrupted workflow, she also acknowledges that individual choice, personal well-being, and family priorities are becoming critical parts of the conversation.
