Farah Khan has taken another playful jab at Deepika Padukone’s controversial 8-hour work shift demand, sparking fresh debate in Bollywood circles. The filmmaker, known for her witty commentary, made remarks about actors’ availability, indirectly referencing Deepika’s recent exits from high-profile projects like Kalki 2898 AD sequel.
Table of Contents
Farah Khan Controversy Timeline and Key Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Central Issue | Deepika’s 8-hour work shift demand |
| Projects Affected | Kalki 2898 AD sequel, Spirit (Prabhas film) |
| Fee Demand | 25% increment from first Kalki film |
| Additional Demands | Entourage of 25 people, 5-star accommodations |
| Farah’s Platform | YouTube vlogs and interviews |
| Industry Impact | Ongoing debate about actor demands vs. production needs |
Farah Khan’s Latest Comments
During a recent conversation with actress Radhikka Madan, Farah asked about having an 8-hour shift, to which Radhikka replied “56 hours non-stop or 48 hours non-stop.” The filmmaker, who has worked with Deepika in Happy New Year and Om Shanti Om, hinted that she doesn’t support such a rigid 8-hour work schedule.
In her trademark witty style, Farah playfully touched on this topic during one of her vlogs, adding her characteristic humor to the ongoing industry chatter about work schedules and actor demands.
The Deepika Padukone Exit Controversy
Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: Deepika Padukone demanded a 25 percent increment on the acting fees from the first part, and insisted on shooting for just 7 hours a day. Given that Kalki 2898 AD is a VFX-heavy film, such short shoots were likely to increase the budget significantly.
Additional Demands: Reports suggest she asked for ₹25 crore for about 35 days of work, a 10% cut of the profits, extra expenses for her entourage, and she didn’t want to speak her lines in Telugu.
Spirit Project: In mid-2025, Deepika made headlines when she demanded an 8-hour workday. Reportedly, she had requested an increase in her fees and reduction of working hours, which allegedly became the reason for her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, starring Prabhas.
Industry Perspective on Work Hours
Traditional vs. Modern Approach: A source revealed that Deepika’s demand for a pay hike significantly higher than 25% stemmed from her conviction that she is irreplaceable, with her management’s approach to negotiations becoming the real turning point.
Production Challenges: The film industry typically operates on demanding schedules, especially for big-budget productions requiring extensive VFX work and complex shooting schedules that can extend beyond regular hours.
Farah-Deepika Professional History
Farah Khan has previously collaborated with Deepika Padukone on successful projects including “Om Shanti Om” and “Happy New Year.” Their professional relationship spans over a decade, making Farah’s comments particularly noteworthy given their history together.
The Broader Industry Debate
Work-Life Balance: The controversy has sparked discussions about work-life balance in Bollywood, with some supporting actors’ rights to reasonable working hours while others argue that filmmaking requires flexibility.
Gender Dynamics: Industry observers note that female actors often face more scrutiny for making demands that male superstars routinely make without similar backlash.
Social Media and Fan Reactions
The ongoing controversy has divided fans and industry professionals. While some support Deepika’s stance on work-life balance, others view her demands as excessive for the entertainment industry’s collaborative nature.
Current Status
Neither Deepika Padukone nor her representatives have officially responded to Farah Khan’s recent comments. The actress continues with her other commitments while the industry debates continue.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What exactly did Farah Khan say about Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift demand?
A: Farah Khan made indirect comments during her vlogs and interviews, most recently asking actress Radhikka Madan about 8-hour shifts, to which Radhikka replied “56 hours non-stop or 48 hours non-stop.” Farah, who worked with Deepika on “Om Shanti Om” and “Happy New Year,” hinted she doesn’t support rigid 8-hour work schedules, making playful digs at actors’ availability without directly naming Deepika.
Q: Why did Deepika Padukone exit from Kalki 2898 AD sequel and other projects?
A: Deepika Padukone reportedly demanded a 25% fee increment from her Kalki fee, insisted on 7-8 hour daily shooting schedules, requested accommodations for an entourage of 25 people, and wanted 5-star accommodations. For VFX-heavy films like Kalki 2898 AD, such short shooting schedules would significantly increase production budgets, leading to her exit from the sequel and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Spirit.”
