Mumbai: Actor Ali Fazal has weighed in on the ongoing discussion surrounding Deepika Padukone’s suggestion of implementing an 8-hour workday for film shoots. The actress had recently advocated for more structured and humane working hours in the film industry, sparking a wide debate among industry professionals.
In a recent interview with SCREEN, Fazal acknowledged that while the proposal stems from a good place, filmmaking is not a corporate environment where a standard template can be applied to every project. “This is not a corporate job. You can’t put a template,” Fazal said, stressing the creative and diverse nature of the work involved in filmmaking.
The actor elaborated that each film project varies greatly in its demands. For instance, a movie heavy on VFX, an action film, or a drama all have different needs and therefore require varying schedules. “Every kind of genre changes the working style and so we must keep that in mind,” he stated.
While Fazal expressed support for the conversation around improving working conditions, he urged against the polarisation the debate has triggered. He noted that many individuals are now being forced to pick sides, which might hinder progress rather than help it. “People are being forced to take sides. This is not a black-and-white issue,” he added.
He also touched upon the emotional and mental toll of filmmaking, saying that creative professions require compassion and a more nuanced approach. “We are dealing with emotions, creative energies and people’s mental health. We need to talk with more compassion,” Fazal said, highlighting the complexity of balancing efficiency with empathy.
Fazal’s response adds a thoughtful layer to the ongoing conversation, suggesting that instead of imposing blanket rules, the film industry should aim for a balanced approach—one that respects both the artistic nature of cinema and the well-being of those behind it.
