In an exclusive interview with Movified, director Kabir Khan has voiced his support for Deepika Padukone’s recent call for an 8-hour workday in the film industry, especially in the context of new mothers returning to work. Amid the ongoing Spirit controversy, Padukone had underscored the need for empathy, flexibility, and a healthier work-life balance within demanding creative professions.
When asked about the matter, Kabir Khan offered a candid take:
“It’s important we promote work-life balance in our field. I work with 500 crew members who each have their own families, their own lives. Their well-being matters, not just for efficiency, but for their mental health.”
He further backed Deepika’s request by pointing out, “It’s a fair point. Aamir Khan works on an 8-hour shift. Akshay Kumar too. So I don’t see why Deepika should be denied the same.”
Dismissing the outdated notion that filmmaking must come with personal sacrifice, Khan said, “Yes, passion is part of this craft, but it should come with structure. I never shoot beyond 12 hours, no overtimes, and I never work on the 7th day. These are basic rules.”
He concluded by emphasizing that artists and professionals alike have the right to define their working conditions. “Everyone should be allowed to set the terms that suit them. If a filmmaker doesn’t agree, they should have a valid reason. It’s that simple.”
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Kabir Khan’s clear stance adds weight to a growing conversation about fairness, respect, and sustainable working conditions in Indian cinema, one that could shape the future of film production for the better.