Filmmaker Farah Khan has once again addressed Deepika Padukone’s controversial 8-hour workday demand through her latest YouTube vlog, adding fuel to the ongoing industry debate about work schedules and professional commitments.
The Vlog Incident
During a recent visit to actor Rohit Saraf’s home with her cook Dilip, Khan made pointed remarks about Padukone’s work policies. When Saraf mentioned making his mother wait a year before appearing on camera, Khan quipped, “At least Deepika Padukone didn’t take that long to say yes to me.” Later, when asked about visiting Padukone’s house for the vlog, Khan responded that the Om Shanti Om actress “now only shoots for 8 hours and doesn’t have time” to participate.
Industry Impact and Departures
Padukone’s 8-hour shift demand has reportedly led to her exit from two major productions in 2025. She departed from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit and the highly anticipated Kalki 2898 AD sequel, with industry insiders citing her work schedule requirements as a primary factor.
Khan’s Previous Stance
This isn’t Khan’s first comment on the issue. In an earlier vlog featuring actress Radhikka Madan, the conversation turned to work hours when Madan described working “56 hours non-stop or 48 hours non-stop.” Khan, who has previously collaborated with Padukone on Happy New Year and Om Shanti Om, concluded with the remark, “This is how gold is made,” suggesting that exceptional work sometimes requires pushing beyond conventional limits.
The Broader Context
Following the birth of her daughter Dua in late 2024, Padukone has allegedly implemented stricter work hour policies, sparking industry-wide discussions about work-life balance, professional demands, and the evolving expectations of leading actors in Indian cinema.
The ongoing commentary from Khan, delivered through her characteristic humor, reflects the broader tensions within Bollywood regarding changing workplace dynamics and star demands in the post-pandemic era.
