Actress Rashmika Mandanna has responded to the ongoing debate over working hours in the film industry, following reports that actress Deepika Padukone opted out of a major project due to extended shoot schedules. Addressing the issue, Rashmika stated that working hours are a matter of internal coordination within the production team and vary across film industries.
Speaking about her own experience, Rashmika said, “I work in multiple industries. In the South, working hours are typically from 9 AM to 6 PM, similar to a standard office job. After the shoot, there is time for family, dinner, and rest. However, in Bollywood, the schedule often runs from 9 AM to 9 PM, requiring up to 12 hours of work daily. As an actor, I’m willing to work in both formats.”
She further remarked that while the discussion around optimal work hours is gaining national attention, it should ultimately be a team decision. “Each film unit must decide what work schedule suits them best. There’s nothing wrong in an actor communicating their preferred shift timings to the director,” Rashmika said.
Highlighting the unpredictable nature of film shoots, Rashmika noted that working hours do not always follow a fixed pattern. “Sometimes we have to stay on set for two or three consecutive days without adequate rest. It’s part of the profession,” she added.