Kabir Khan says ‘these are basic rules’ while backing Deepika Padukone’s '8-hour shift' demand

Filmmaker Kabir Khan has extended his support to Deepika Padukone amid ongoing discussions about her reported fallout with Spirit director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from Deepika’s request for an 8-hour work shift on set. Kabir, speaking to Movified, strongly backed her stance, pointing out that several senior male actors, including Aamir Khan and Akshay Kumar, already follow such schedules.

Kabir highlighted the importance of work-life balance in the film industry, especially when managing large sets. “I work with 500 people on a set each has a family and a life beyond work. Mental health and efficiency are just as important,” he said. He labelled Deepika’s request as a “fair point,” adding that filmmaking should not come at the cost of personal time.

Further defending the actor’s demand, Kabir said, “Aamir Khan works on an 8-hour shift. Akshay Kumar too. So I don’t see why Deepika should be denied the same.” He elaborated on his own work ethic, revealing that he limits shoot hours, avoids overtime, and never schedules work on the seventh day of the week. “These are basic rules,” he firmly stated.

The filmmaker also addressed the conversation around Deepika’s reported Rs 25 crore fee for Spirit, stating that debates over actor remuneration often miss the larger picture. “Whoever brings in the viewers, whether it’s an actor, director, man or woman… they deserve to be paid what they’re worth. Deepika consistently pulls crowds, so she rightly commands the fee she does,” he said.

Kabir concluded that actors, like any professionals, are entitled to set boundaries regarding their working conditions. “If a filmmaker doesn’t agree, they should have a valid reason. It’s that simple,” he added.

Meanwhile, Deepika is currently gearing up for her next big project, AA22 X A6, directed by Atlee and starring Allu Arjun. The teaser suggests she plays a warrior princess in the action-heavy film. Her casting in such powerful roles continues to reflect her stature in the industry and the conversations her career choices inspire.