'Existed for decades': 'Haq' director backs Deepika's 8-hour workday demand
What's the story
Suparn Varma, the director of Haq, has defended Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone's recent demand for an eight-hour workday on film sets. In a conversation with Cyrus Broacha on his YouTube show Cyrus Says, Varma said, "This has existed for decades now." "Actors are signed on with a contract, when they are paid, and they have their list of demands." He explained that during contract negotiations, actors and producers usually agree on work hours and other requirements like entourage size.
Actor's demands
'Every actor gives a concession'
Varma added, "If I need extra time from her on a particular day, I will request her. Every actor gives a concession." He further explained that actors often have contracts that include 10 hours of work, which encompasses makeup, lunch, and shooting time. This technically translates to eight hours of actual shooting. "You plan around it and that's how it works. It's no big deal."
Director's perspective
Varma's light-hearted take on Padukone's demands
Varma said, "So if Deepika is working with me and she says these are the hours that she is giving me and someday I need more time, she will know it in advance." He jokingly added, "So we have to crack more jokes, make her laugh so she says yes. Hasee to phasee, right?" His latest film Haq starred Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi.
Career moves
Padukone's exit from 'Spirit' and 'Kalki 2898 AD' sequel
Padukone's demand for an eight-hour workday came to light after she exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. She also walked out of Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Her decision to leave these projects sparked discussions about work-life balance in the film industry, with many supporting her stance on limiting work hours.