Ram Kapoor weighed in, saying successful actors who no longer have to chase roles are in a position to set their own terms. Reflecting on his own experience, he recalled limiting his work to 8 hours during his television days.
Ram Kapoor Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone's reported exit from Spirit, helmed by Animal filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, continues to dominate discussions in the film business. At the heart of the issue is her demand for an eight-hour workday, which has significantly divided opinion in Bollywood. While some see it as a constructive move toward better working conditions in the entertainment industry, others say that such judgments are not always clear.
Seasoned actor Ram Kapoor recently spoke out on the topic. Speaking with Firstpost, the Karrle Tu Bhi Mohabbat actor revealed his nuanced perspective, relying on his extensive experience in television and film.
Sharing his opinion, Ram said, "Once you have achieved success in showbiz—whether as a star or an actor—and people want to work with you, then yes, you are in a position to choose how many hours you want to work," Ram said candidly. “Even when I was doing television, I used to decide how many hours I wanted to work. So I’ve been lucky. Anybody who reaches a level where they don’t have to find work is in a position to choose."
He also spoke about the importance of commitment to the project once signed, "Most of us actors, myself included, know that when we sign on to something, we have to do that project to the best of our ability. That’s what it’s all about."
He also shared with Zoom that if he had to complain about this, then "I'm only talking for myself. I'm not speaking for anyone else, not my colleagues or co-actors. Just me, guys. I’m so lucky that I shouldn’t be complaining about anything. I get the projects I want, work the hours I want, earn the money I want, and work with the people I choose. And I’m going to complain about long hours? I should go slap myself in the bathroom. It’s as simple as that."
Ram had once demanded for 8-hour limit in TV
Ram recalls that while working in the Television Industry, he had once set the eight-hour limit for himself as well. He quipped, "Television was nonstop. There were no seasons. It was every day, every month, for years. So I said, ‘I’ll work only eight hours a day.’ But with films and OTT shows now, like Mistry, I sometimes work 14 to 16 hours a day—but just for a few months. And I have no reason to complain. This industry is tough, the hours are long, but I feel blessed that I’m doing what I love."
The Mistry actor further quipped, "I just want to stay in a space of happiness where I know how Lucky I am. I don't want to fall into that trap of constantly complaining. But that's just me, it doesn't mean I am right and others are wrong."
Here's how the Industry had reacted
Ram's cautious remark joins an increasing chorus of industry figures responding to Deepika's dilemma. Vikrant Massey recently expressed her support, adding that she "deserved" an eight-hour schedule, particularly as a new mother. Pankaj Tripathi, Vinay Pathak, Saif Ali Khan, Ajay Devgn, Kajol, and filmmaker Mani Ratnam are among those said to be supporting her. However, filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma completely disregarded the incident, claiming it had been "blown out of proportion."
For the unversed, initially, Deepika Padukone was supposed to play the lead opposite Prabhas in Spirit. It was later reported that she made an exit from the film after her requests, which included an 8-hour shoot cap and a share in profits. She had also requested not to have lines in Telugu. They were turned down, and she has been now reportedly replaced by Triptii Dimri.
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