Ranveer's old comments on work hours resurface amid Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift debate
As the 8-hour shift debate continues to dominate conversations within the Indian film industry, an old interview of Ranveer Singh has resurfaced online, adding a fresh layer to the ongoing discussion.
The clip has gone viral at a time when his wife, actor Deepika Padukone, has been at the centre of the debate following her reported exits from two major projects due to work-shift hours issue.
The controversy began earlier this year when Deepika Padukone allegedly walked out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit after her request for an 8-hour workday, as a new mother, was reportedly turned down.
She was subsequently replaced by Triptii Dimri.
The issue resurfaced once again when reports emerged that Deepika had also exited the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD (2024), which stars Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. Since then, several industry voices have weighed in, with opinions sharply divided.
Amid this backdrop, netizens have unearthed a 2022 interview in which Ranveer Singh spoke candidly about long working hours in Bollywood.
In a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, the actor acknowledged that his work ethic had often sparked complaints from peers and their teams.
He said, “A lot of times people complain… other artists and their management complain ki ‘Yaar tu sabko bigaad raha hai.’ Sab log bolte hain ‘8 ghanta ki shift mein tu 10-12 ghanta kabhi shooting karta hai. Fir hum log ko bhi karna padta hai.’”
Ranveer went on to explain his personal approach to work, suggesting flexibility when creative goals are not met within fixed hours. “But ab 8 ghanta mein woh cheez jo hum chahte hain, woh nahi bani toh theek hai na. Aap karlo thodi si zyada shooting. I’m not that kind of partner who sees it as a transaction,” he added.
The timing of the clip’s resurfacing has drawn attention, especially given Deepika’s recent statements on the issue. After welcoming their daughter Dua Padukone Singh last year, Deepika spoke openly about how excessive working hours have been normalised in the film industry.
She stressed that eight hours of work per day is sufficient for both the body and mind, particularly for new mothers adjusting to the demands of parenthood.
Ranveer and Deepika, who tied the knot in 2018, have often spoken about balancing their personal and professional lives.
While the debate continues to spark discussion across the industry, the resurfaced interview highlights how perspectives on working hours can vary, even within the same household, depending on context, career phase, and personal circumstances.
Deepika Padukone is preparing for her upcoming film King, which stars Shah Rukh Khan.