Actress Shalini Pandey, known for her breakout performance in Sandeep Reddy Vanga Arjun Reddy, has voiced her support for Deepika Padukone amid the ongoing debate over her reported 8-hour workday demand.
The controversy began after Deepika exit from Vanga upcoming film Spirit, starring Prabhas, made headlines. Reports suggested that Deepika had asked the makers to restrict her shoot schedule to eight hours a day, especially after becoming a mother — a demand that reportedly didn’t sit well with the production team.
The actress later clarified her stance in an interview, saying,
“Many male superstars have been working eight-hour shifts for years, but somehow that never becomes news.”
Her statement reignited discussions about gender bias, work-life balance, and equality in the film industry.
Shalini Pandey Take: “Kudos to Her”
Reacting to the debate, Shalini Pandey praised Deepika for taking a stand that promotes mental well-being and setting an example for others in the industry.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, she said,
“Kudos to her for setting a precedent for us to be okay about advocating for mental health. She is incredible, so she should get whatever she wants.”
Pandey emphasized that Deepika choice to prioritize her health and family shouldn’t be criticized, but rather seen as a progressive step forward for women in cinema.
“We’re Still Far from Equal Pay”
The Jayeshbhai Jordaar actress also spoke about broader issues faced by women in the film industry, particularly pay disparity and workplace rights.
“Abhi hum bahut dur hain (to demand) for things like equal pay,” she said, adding that progress has been slow but steady thanks to veteran voices like Shabana Azmi, who have long fought for gender equality.
“I’m glad that women in power have been fighting for our needs and rights. They’ve helped my generation, and now it’s my duty to ask for what I deserve. We may not get it every time, but I’ll still keep fighting and set a precedent for women,” she added.
Industry Divided Over 8-Hour Shift Debate
Deepika Padukone’s stance has divided opinions in the film fraternity. While many have applauded her for normalizing healthy work boundaries, others argue that big-budget films often require longer hours due to tight schedules and large production setups.
However, actors like Shalini Pandey believe that such conversations are crucial for shaping a more empathetic and balanced work culture in the entertainment industry.
“Deepika is using her position to make change possible. That’s what true leadership looks like,” Shalini remarked.
Shalini Pandey Recent Work
On the professional front, Shalini was last seen in Maharaj, the Netflix drama that marked Aamir Khan son Junaid Khan debut. The actress received praise for her grounded performance and continues to be recognized for her bold film choices since Arjun Reddy.
With her latest comments, Shalini joins a growing list of Bollywood actors speaking up for mental health, fair treatment, and women’s empowerment in an industry that has often demanded relentless work schedules.
