The Spirit Showdown: Deepika’s Bold Move.
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Yo, movie fans! The Bollywood scene is straight-up heated right now, and it’s all because of Deepika Padukone’s reported demand for an 8-hour workday on the set of Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Word is, this request didn’t vibe with Vanga, leading to Deepika’s exit from the project. The drama has split the industry, with some celebs hyping Deepika’s stance and others backing Vanga’s approach. But the real tea? October star Banita Sandhu just dropped some truth bombs about her own grind in Bollywood, and it’s a wake-up call (Indian Express).
Banita’s Grind: 18-Hour Days and No Chill
Banita Sandhu, the Welsh actress who stole hearts in October, isn’t holding back. In a raw chat with SCREEN, she spilled how she was pushed to work 16 to 18-hour shifts early in her Bollywood career. Picture this: shooting all day, hopping on a flight at night, and not sleeping for 24 hours straight. “I just assumed this was how it worked,” she admitted. But when she finally said, “Nah, this ain’t it,” to producers, she thinks it got her blacklisted. “Maybe I’m out of that industry now, but I don’t care. Standing up for what’s right is my vibe,” she said (NDTV).
Hollywood’s Got It Figured Out
Having worked on Hollywood gigs like Eternal Beauty and Bridgerton Season 3, Banita’s seen how it’s done differently. “In the West, we’ve got strong unions that have your back,” she explained. These unions make sure actors and crew don’t burn out, pushing for 12-hour turnovers max. Banita’s all about that life, saying, “We’re not at war; we’re making movies. Nobody’s mental health should take a hit for this.” She’s calling out Bollywood to level up and treat rest like a basic human right, not a luxury.
Deepika’s Fight, Banita’s Backup
Banita’s jumping into this convo right as Deepika’s 8-hour workday demand is making waves. “It’s so important,” Banita said, giving props to Deepika for sparking this debate. The Spirit drama has folks talking about what’s fair on set, especially for new moms like Deepika. But not everyone’s on the same page. Director Mani Ratnam’s all in, calling Deepika’s ask “rightful, reasonable, and necessary” (X post). Meanwhile, Genelia D’Souza’s like, “I work 10 hours, and it’s doable” (X post). The shade’s real, but Banita’s story keeps it grounded.
Why This Matters: Mental Health on the Line
Let’s keep it 100: making movies is dope, but at what cost? Banita’s tale of grinding without sleep hits hard, especially for Gen Z, who’s all about mental health and work-life balance. Long hours don’t just mess with your head—they can tank your health and creativity. Bollywood’s starting to get it, with Banita noting things are “getting better now.” But her experience screams that change can’t wait. “It’s a job, not a battlefield,” she said, and that’s a mood we can all get behind.
The Bigger Picture: Industry Voices
The Spirit saga’s got everyone chiming in. Here’s a quick rundown of who’s saying what:
| Name | Stance |
|---|---|
| Mani Ratnam | Backs Deepika’s 8-hour demand as “rightful, reasonable, and necessary.” |
| Neha Dhupia | Supports Deepika’s request as a working mom (X post). |
| Genelia D’Souza | Says 10-hour shifts are manageable, not impossible. |
| Kajol | Never worked 20-hour shifts, prioritizes work-life balance (X post). |
Some X posts also hint at other issues, like Deepika’s alleged demands for profit sharing or refusing to speak Telugu, which might’ve fueled the Spirit fallout (X post). But the work-hour convo’s stealing the spotlight, and Banita’s keeping it real about the human cost.
Time for a Glow-Up, Bollywood
Banita’s courage to call out exploitation, even if it meant getting sidelined, is straight-up inspiring. Her story’s a reminder that the glitz of Bollywood comes with some dark corners. As fans, we love the movies, but we gotta stan the artists pushing for fair treatment. With voices like Banita and Deepika leading the charge, it’s time for the industry to rethink how it treats its talent. Better hours, better vibes, better films—who’s with us?
Disclaimer: This article is based on info from the Indian Express, NDTV, and X posts. The views expressed are those of the individuals mentioned and don’t necessarily reflect [Your News Portal]’s stance.
Sources:
- Indian Express
- NDTV
- X
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