03 March,2026 05:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Anubhav Sinha and Deepika Padukone
Many celebrities have shared their views on the ongoing working hours debate in the film industry. The discussion gained momentum after Deepika Padukone reportedly walked out of a project when her demand for an eight-hour shift was not accepted. Now, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha has commented on the matter, saying the issue between Deepika and Sandeep Reddy Vanga was overblown and such matters should ideally be resolved privately between actors and filmmakers.
In a conversation with Shubhankar Mishra, Anubhav Sinha shared his views on actors setting boundaries. "If an actor wants to work six hours a day and you're not okay with it, then don't work with that actor. It's as simple as that," he said, adding that collaborations in the film industry must be based on mutual agreement.
Anubhav then recalled his experience of working with the late actor Rishi Kapoor in the 2018 film Mulk. He revealed that a clear conversation before the shoot helped avoid conflict later. Rishi Kapoor had initially refused to shoot at night after reading the script. However, after discussions, he agreed to do a limited number of night shoots. During filming, the number of night shoots increased, but the matter was handled amicably.
Sinha said he had a delightful experience working with Kapoor. Since he was keen on casting him, scheduling adjustments were never a problem. He fondly recalled meeting Kapoor after his treatment in New York at Amitabh Bachchan's Diwali party.
"He even suggested we shoot one more scene for Thappad with Taapsee, saying he would quietly walk in from behind. That was my last meeting with him. I found a friend in him, just because he didn't want to shoot nights doesn't make him difficult," Sinha said.
Sinha added that although he has not worked with Deepika Padukone, he has only heard positive things about her from those who have collaborated with the Om Shanti Om star. "I don't believe in gossip. I've barely met her once at a party years ago. But I asked people who have worked with her, and they said she's a delightful actress to work with," he shared.
Calling the debate overblown, he said, "I think it's unfair the way this has been blown up. If you don't like an actor, fire them. Actors and directors have been fired before, it happens. It should remain between the concerned people."
He also underlined the practical realities of the profession. "People can have working conditions. An actor stands in front of the camera. They have to look good on a 50-60 foot screen. If there are eye bags, they look huge. So yes, working hours matter. These issues can easily be resolved privately."
