Now Pankaj Tripathi Calls For Reasonable Work Hours

Reports about Deepika Padukone’s departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit hit the headlines a few weeks ago. Reports claimed that the actress, who recently embraced motherhood, requested to limit her workday to eight hours- a clause that reportedly didn’t sit well with the filmmaker. Now, echoing similar sentiments, actor Pankaj Tripathi spoke about the importance of setting boundaries at work and learning to say ‘no’ politely when those limits are crossed. He called for reasonable work hours and said that once a commitment is fulfilled, it’s okay to stop and not overextend.

In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Pankaj Tripathi said that he finds it difficult to say ‘no’ which is why he has been practicing it. “Right now, I’m practicing saying ‘no.’ Because everyone should know where the boundary is – that this is the line, and beyond this, it’s a polite ‘no.'" He further recalled days when his work hours kept getting stretched for 16 to 18 hours on set. “Kaam mein khiche jaa raha hai. 16 ghanta-18 ghanta ho gaya main laga hua hu. Main bol bhi raha hu, actor jaa chuka hai. Labour ruka hua hai. (The work hours are getting stretched. I am working 16–18 hours straight. I’m even saying, the actor has left, the labourers are still waiting)."

He then said that he feels it’s better to politely set boundaries at a time like this. “Phir laga nahi, abhi toh aap vinamrata purvak bol dijiye ki ‘Nahi, itna hi hoga. Humne commit ye kiya tha, commitment humari poori ho gayi. Ab dhanyavaad. Jo bacha hai, kal karenge.’ ( At this point, you should just politely say, ‘No, this is all that can be done. This is what we committed to, and we’ve fulfilled that commitment. Thank you. Whatever is left, we’ll do tomorrow)." He concluded by saying that setting boundaries is essential—not just in acting, but in all aspects of life.

Meanwhile, acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam also came out in support of Deepika amid the backlash. Without mincing words, he addressed the criticism the actor has been facing over her demands. “I think it is a rightful demand,"