As discussions around excessive work hours dominate public discourse, the debate has now reached the film industry, particularly following rumours that actress Deepika Padukone exited *Spirit* due to scheduling issues. Reacting to the ongoing conversation, actor Rana Daggubati offered a nuanced take, stating that discussions around work culture and economic structures are often overemphasized.
Rana remarked that discipline and consistent effort define the true value of professional life. “India is still a developing country. To reach global standards, we need more capacity and longer work hours,” he said, pointing out that the country’s per capita income ranks 186th globally. “I come from the Telugu industry which migrated from Chennai to Hyderabad. Hundreds of families relocated to build this ecosystem. For me, this isn’t work—it’s a way of life.”
The actor emphasized that work hours in the film industry vary by project. “Each film has its own schedule, just like each state has its own governance style. In Maharashtra, the norm is a 12-hour shift, but shoots begin at 9 AM. In Telugu cinema, we start at 7 AM, typically with 8-hour shifts. Factors like location, studio availability, and scale of production all impact the schedule. These things may sound simple but are far more complex in execution,” he explained.
Rana also highlighted the economic context. “Around 70–80% of India’s population earns less than ₹100 per day. We need to view such issues with that reality in mind. There’s still a long way to go,” he added.
When asked about concerns that actresses are being forced to work extended hours, Rana was clear in his response: “No one is forced. This is a profession, and it’s always a matter of choice. If someone wants to work, they do. I know actors who work only four hours a day—it depends on their working style. Everyone chooses what matters most in their life.”
Rana’s remarks come at a time when the film industry is increasingly scrutinized for its on-set practices, shedding light on the balance between professionalism and personal well-being in entertainment.
