28 October,2025 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Rashmika Mandanna
Discussion around the eight-hour shift rule has been ongoing in the film industry ever since reports surfaced that actress Deepika Padukone walked out of a film after her request for fixed working hours was denied. Amid this, producer SKN praised Rashmika Mandanna for not demanding strict working hours. However, Rashmika has now expressed her thoughts on working hours for actors and others associated with the movie industry. While the actress admitted she has stretched her work hours, she feels it's not worth it.
In an interview with Gulte, The Girlfriend actress was asked about her thoughts on working hours in the film industry. She said that although she has often overworked depending on the film's needs, she would not recommend it to anyone. Rashmika stated that it's better to have fixed hours so an individual can balance family and work. "I overwork, and I'm telling you it's highly not suggestible. It's not sustainable - don't do it. Do what's comfortable for you, do what's right for you, get those 8 hours, get those 9-10 hours also, because trust me, that's going to save you later. I've seen a lot of these conversations recently about work hours. I've done both, and I'm telling you this is not worth it."
Rashmika further shared that she struggles to say no to her team and often gives in to extra work hours when a filmmaker insists on completing the shoot within a day. "But if I could choose for myself, I would say, please don't make us actors do that. Like offices have 9-5, let us have that. Because there's still a family life I want to focus on, there's still my sleep that I want to get in, and I still want to work out so that later on I'm not regretting it. I am still thinking about my future, but right now I don't have a say because I'm taking on too much."
Producer SKN, speaking at an event, praised Rashmika for her dedication and flexibility, subtly referencing Deepika's alleged demand for an 8-hour shift. He said, "At a time when there's debate on how many hours one should work, there's only one heroine in pan-India who's willing to work however many hours needed."
He further added, "Rashmika views work with love, not in terms of hours. Her commitment is about timing, not strict limits. This is why everyone feels like Rashmika is part of the family." The Thamma actress appeared overwhelmed by the praise and couldn't stop smiling.
On the work front, Rashmika Mandanna has had a busy year. She appeared in Bollywood films including Chhaava, Sikandar, and most recently Thamma, along with Kuberaa in Telugu and Tamil. Next, she will be seen in The Girlfriend, releasing in theatres on November 7. She also has Cocktail 2 and Mysaa in the pipeline.
