A recent controversy in the film industry involving Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga sparked a debate about work-life balance, and eight-hour workdays. Amid this, actress Renuka Shahane shared her thoughts about 8-hour shifts for actors, and said that it is a matter of personal choice. She said that while it is one’s individual choice, she feels 8-hour shifts should not be a compulsion, as many mothers work may need to work for 18 hours.

While speaking with Hindustan Times, Renuka Shahane said, “I don’t want to make a general statement on it because I feel that there are even some male actors who would like to minimise hours, not just female actors. A lot of them have come out and said that they want to spend time with their families. In this context, it’s a difficult thing to say, because it is a matter of individual choice."

Renuka Shahane Says There Should Not Be A Compulsion On Work Hours For Actors

As a mother of two, the 58-year-old actress mentioned knowing many working mothers who handle 18-hour shifts on daily soap sets by bringing their children along. She believes it’s their choice, and if producers agree, it’s their decision. There should be no pressure, as some mothers might want or need to work those long hours. “I know of a lot of working mothers who are going to work in daily soaps for 18-hour shifts, and they manage their child by taking them to the set, and kind of raising them practically on the set. It is a choice that they have made, and who am I to say anything about that? If the producer accepts that, it’s their prerogative. There should not be a compulsion, as there might be mothers who want or need to work for 18 hours. It’s a very individual thing," she said.

Renuka also emphasised the importance of mutual understanding between actors and creators in such situations. She said that moving forward is pointless unless everyone involved shares the same understanding. “Whenever you decide to sign on the dotted line, that has to be something mutual. And that sense of respect has to be there because if there is no respect, you’re not going to be able to work with each other at all," she said.

On the work front, Renuka Shahane was last seen in Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar’s Marathi film ‘Devmanus’ which released in theatres on 25th April. She was also seen as Pushplata Yadav in Prime Video series ‘Dupahiya’ which premiered on 7th March, 2025.

Deepika Padukone’s Spirit Exit Row

Meanwhile, Deepika Padukone recently exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, leading to intense media scrutiny and speculation. Reports suggest the new mom had requested an 8-hour workday, a significant pay-check and profit-sharing, terms that reportedly didn’t align with the filmmaker’s expectations. While Deepika didn’t directly address the exit, she recently posted about staying true to herself, hinting at her priorities as a new mother.