Rana Daggubati Shares Take on Deepika Padukone’s

Rana Daggubati, a popular actor from the Telugu film industry, recently spoke out about the ongoing debate surrounding Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit. The controversy, which has sparked a larger conversation about working hours in the Indian film industry, centers on Deepika’s alleged demand for an 8-hour workday. Meanwhile, Rana offered a fresh and balanced view, highlighting the need to understand India’s unique economic and cultural context. For many, this issue is not just about work but also about lifestyle and personal choices.

Deepika Padukone, a new mom, reportedly left the Prabhas-starrer Spirit due to disagreements over working hours and contract terms. Some sources claim she asked for an 8-hour shift, a reasonable request for a new parent. However, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga seemed upset, posting a cryptic note on X. He accused an unnamed actor of playing a “dirty PR game” and breaking trust. Although he didn’t name Deepika, many believe the post was aimed at her. Consequently, this has fueled a massive online debate, with fans and experts weighing in.

Rana Daggubati, in an interview with The Lallantop, shared his thoughts. “We should understand that India is a developing country,” he said simply. “We are not a developed nation. Our economy ranks low in per capita income, maybe 186th in the world.” He explained that film work isn’t just a job for many—it’s a way of life. For example, he noted how the Telugu industry moved from Madras to Hyderabad, with families and workers starting fresh in a new city. Thus, the idea of fixed hours can be tricky.

Moreover, Rana pointed out that work hours differ across regions and projects. “In Maharashtra, it’s a 12-hour shift starting at 9 AM,” he said. “But in Telugu cinema, we do 8 hours, starting at 7 AM.” Location matters too—sets need more prep, while studios offer comfort. Therefore, it’s not a one-size-fits-all rule. He added, “Nobody forces anyone. It’s a job, a choice. Some actors shoot for only 4 hours—that’s their system.” His words bring a calm, practical angle to the heated debate.

The controversy began when reports suggested Deepika walked away from Spirit after her 8-hour workday demand was rejected. Some also claimed she asked for Rs 20-25 crore and a profit share, which didn’t sit well with the makers. Sandeep Reddy Vanga then replaced her with Triptii Dimri, known for Animal. On X, Vanga wrote, “When I narrate a story, I place 100% faith. There’s an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you’ve shown who you are.” His post stirred anger and support alike, leaving fans divided.

On the other hand, Deepika’s move has sparked a vital talk about work-life balance. Many actors, especially new parents, face long hours on set. For instance, in Bollywood, 12-hour shifts are common, often stretching longer. In contrast, some actors choose shorter schedules to focus on family or health. Rana’s view resonates here: it’s a personal choice, not a forced rule. And so, the discussion grows—should the film industry set standard hours, or does flexibility work better?

To better understand this, let’s look at data. The Indian film industry is massive, contributing billions to the economy. Yet, working conditions vary widely. Below is a chart showing average shift lengths across major Indian film industries. This data, sourced from industry reports and crew surveys, sheds light on the differences.

Highlight: Shift Lengths Vary Widely
As the chart shows, Bollywood often demands 12-hour shifts, while Telugu cinema leans toward 8 hours. Tamil and Malayalam industries fall in between, averaging 10 and 9 hours. This variety, as Rana noted, depends on region, project, and even location—sets versus studios. For workers, this means adapting to different schedules, which can be tough, especially for parents or those with health needs.

Deepika’s stance has found support too. Filmmakers like Mani Ratnam and actors like Ajay Devgn and Kajol have backed the idea of reasonable hours. Mani Ratnam called it a “rightful demand,” especially for new moms. Meanwhile, Kajol shared her own story, juggling shoots for My Name Is Khan with a young Nysa at home. “I’d love to work less,” she said at an event. Ajay Devgn added, “Honest filmmakers won’t mind an 8-hour shift. Most already do 8-9 hours.” Thus, the industry seems open to change, but challenges remain.

However, not everyone agrees. Some argue that filmmaking isn’t a 9-to-5 job. Long hours often come from tight schedules, budget limits, and creative demands. For example, night shoots or action scenes can stretch time. A report from Hindustan Times notes that crew members—lights, camera, and sound teams—often work 14-16 hours, far beyond actors. So, can a fixed 8-hour day work for everyone? It’s a tough question, and opinions vary.

Rana Daggubati’s take brings balance to this storm. He reminds us that India, with 1.8 billion people, is still growing. “70-80% earn Rs 100 a day,” he said. “We have a lot to catch up on.” For him, film work is a lifestyle, not just a paycheck. And yet, he respects personal choice—some actors thrive on 4-hour days, others grind longer. This flexibility, he believes, is key in a diverse industry.

Deepika, meanwhile, has moved on to new projects. She’s now part of Atlee’s next film with Allu Arjun, a sci-fi action flick. Fans are excited, especially after her hit Jawan with Atlee in 2023. She’s also set for sequels to Pathaan and Brahmastra. Despite the Spirit row, her career shines bright. But the debate she sparked lingers, pushing the industry to rethink work culture.

For more on this story, check out AMERICANEWSWORLD (ANW) at america112.com for updates on Bollywood, Telugu cinema, and more. Also, read this external report from Hindustan Times for deeper insights into crew working conditions.

The talk about work hours isn’t new. Quora users often ask, “What are film set hours like?” Answers vary—some say 12-16 hours, others note shorter shifts in smaller projects. On Brainly and Chegg Study, students ask about work-life balance in cinema, showing young people care too. WikiHow and eHow offer tips for surviving long shoots—stay hydrated, rest when you can. Clearly, this issue touches all ages, from teens to veterans.

So, what’s next? The Indian film industry, worth billions, employs thousands across continents—Asia, North America, Europe, and beyond. But long hours strain workers, from actors to crew. Deepika’s exit from Spirit has lit a spark, and Rana’s words add wisdom. Can the industry balance art, effort, and fair hours? Only time will tell. For now, the debate rolls on, and fans, actors, and makers all have a stake.

Let’s look at another angle: crew perspectives. Below is a chart showing average daily hours for different film crew roles, based on surveys and industry data. This highlights the gap between actors and behind-the-scenes workers.

Crew Works Longer Than Actors**
The chart shows actors often work 8 hours, but camera, lighting, and sound crews average 14-15 hours. Directors clock in at 12 hours, managing it all. This gap, noted in reports, fuels the call for fairer schedules. For many, long hours are a badge of passion, but also a strain.

the Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga row has opened a big talk. Rana Daggubati’s calm, clear view helps us see both sides. India’s film world is unique—driven by art, grit, and growth. But as it evolves, so must its ways. Should hours be fixed? Can flexibility stay? Share your thoughts with AMERICANEWSWORLD (ANW) at america112.com. We cover Bollywood, Telugu, and global cinema for all ages, from India to the USA and beyond!