Banita Sandhu on being BLACKLISTED from 'that industry' on opposing 18 hour shift: 'Didn't sleep for 24 hours'

Actor Banita Sandhu has added her voice to the growing conversation about unhealthy working conditions in the Indian film industry. In a recent interview with The Indian Express, the October star opened up about her early experiences in Hindi cinema, shedding light on long hours and unrealistic schedules that she, and many others, were subjected to.

“When I first started out, I didn’t really understand how things worked. I thought this was just how the industry functioned,” she shared. Sandhu recalled being pushed into 16 to 18-hour shoot days with barely any rest, often flying out at night after wrapping a full day’s schedule. “There were days I didn’t sleep for 24 hours straight,” she revealed. The breaking point came when she chose to confront the producers, advocating not only for herself but also for her crew. “I told them this wasn’t okay. Maybe I’m blacklisted now, but I don’t regret standing up for what’s right,” she said.

Sandhu’s remarks come at a time when Deepika Padukone's departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit has sparked industry-wide debate. According to reports, Padukone had asked for an 8-hour workday and compensation for schedules extending beyond 100 days—requests reportedly declined by the production team. Her replacement, Triptii Dimri, was announced shortly after.

There were days I didn’t sleep for 24 hours straight.

- Banita Sandhu

This controversy has triggered broader support from within the industry. Prominent voices like Kabir Khan, Pankaj Tripathi, and even Kumar Sanu have echoed sentiments that working professionals, especially women and mothers like Padukone, deserve healthier working environments.

Sandhu’s experience reflects the pressures faced by actors with less leverage than A-list stars. While Padukone’s status allows her to push for change, Sandhu’s claims of being “blacklisted” suggest a risk many younger or less established performers face when challenging industry norms.

As conversations around work-life balance and ethical labour practices gain traction in the entertainment world, testimonies like Banita Sandhu’s reinforce the urgent need for reform—where actors aren’t penalised for simply asking for humane working conditions.