Pankaj Tripathi Supports Fixed Working Hours For Actors Amid Deepika And Sandeep Vanga Row

Around May 2025, Bollywood actress, Deepika Padukone backed out from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, Spirit starring Prabhas. As per sources, the actress left the project over disputes regarding her pay, discomfort with some of the film's content, and the working hours. As this controversy is rife, many other actors and actresses have spoken up in support of Deepika Padukone and her demands, either directly or indirectly. Many of them have especially supported having strict working hours in the film industry. Recently, renowned actor, Pankaj Tripathi expressed his views on the same. 

Pankaj Tripathi recalled having to work 16-18 hours on sets 

Pankaj Tripathi talked about his initial days of working on film sets as an actor with The Hollywood Reporter India and said that he remembers working 16-18 hours. The actor stated that time would just stretch while working, and he would end up working for quite a long time. Pankaj said that after shooting for so long, the actor in him has already left, and there is just a labourer left who keeps on working for over 16 hours. In his own words, Pankaj Tripathi said: 

"Kaam mein khiche jaa raha hai.16 ghanta-18 ghanta ho gaya main laga hua hu. Main bol bhi raha hu, actor jaa chuka hai. Labour ruka hua hai."

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Pankaj Tripathi believes in politely saying 'no' to working over-time 

Pankaj Tripathi used to work in smaller and supporting roles in many films during his initial days. However, he is now one of the most bankable stars in the Hindi film industry. So, at this point, the actor says 'no' to working way over his committed hours. Pankaj said that after too much, one should politely say no and work only within hours that have been committed and work on whatever is left on the next day. In the interview, Pankaj Tripathi said:

"Phir laga nahi, abhi toh aap vinamrata purvak bol dijiye ki 'Nahi, itna hi hoga. Humne commit ye kiya tha, commitment humari poori ho gayi. Ab dhanyavaad. Jo bacha hai, kal karenge'." 

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Pankaj Tripathi, among many stars that spoke in support of fixed working hours 

After reports came out that one of the stipulations that Deepika Padukone had put forward was an 8-hour working day, many other actors and actresses came out and supported the same. Saif Ali Khan, Mani Ratnam, Kajol and Ajay Devgn also recently made statements where they said that actors should also be able to enjoy work-life balance. Though most of them have not supported Deepika directly, but their support for fixed working hours speaks volumes. 

While promoting his upcoming film, Thug Life starring Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam directly spoke in support of Deepika Padukone. The director spoke to NDTV and said that he thinks that it's a healthy sign when women ask for what they want and get it. Mani Ratnam also pointed out that the actress is a young mother, and if she needs to take care of her child, then she will choose something that will allow her to do so without any problems. 

More about Deepika Padukone vs Sandeep Reddy Vanga that Pankaj Tripathi commented about 

This conversation around reasonable working hours stemmed from the demands that Deepika had reportedly made after being offered the lead role opposite Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. As per sources, the actress asked for an 8-hour working day and demanded that she will be paid extra if the hours extend further. Deepika allegedly also demanded Rs. 20 crores as her fee and refused to mouth dialogues in Telugu. Later, she backed out of the film and was replaced by Triptii Dimri. Amidst all this, Sandeep Vanga posted a tweet accusing an unmentioned actress of playing 'dirty PR games'. 

What are your thoughts on Pankaj Tripathi's opinions on fixed working hours? 

Also Read: Amid Sandeep Vanga And Deepika Padukone Feud: Prabhas Starrer 'Spirit' Cast, Fees And Plot Revealed

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