Smriti Irani opens up on Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour work shift demand: 'My way of viewing work is different…'

Smriti Irani returns to television after two decades, reprising her role as Tulsi in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2.' In an interview with India Today, she discussed her return to acting after a lengthy political career. While the character's appeal and influence drew her back, she also reflected on the industry's evolution since her initial foray. Irani acknowledges technological advancements, but the demanding work hours persist, with the pressure of delivering nightly episodes remaining a significant challenge.

Industry is focused on creating creative value- Smriti Irani

"You cannot say that the producer's commitment shall not be honoured. I don't feel like [working] today. That is not professionally acceptable behaviour. But at the same time, I believe as an industry as a whole, we can have new pathways to enhancing our market value. I think the industry is so focused on creating creative value that it doesn't look at market value," she shared.

On work hours pressure

Regarding the pressures of work hours, the conversation shifted to the recent controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone's departure from two major films, 'Kalki 2898 AD - Part 2' and 'Spirit,' due to the makers' inability to accommodate her eight-hour shift request. "That's an individual issue," she responded promptly.

Sharing if this issue is gender based

Addressing whether this issue is gender-specific, given the societal expectations placed on women to balance work and personal life, Irani stated that men do not experience childbirth, and therefore, the experiences of men and women during pregnancy should not be equated.

When questioned about limited work hours, Irani responded that she doesn't adhere to others' work ethics. "I understand that a lot of controversies are created, and some controversies are only created so that the controversy sells. So I will not be naive enough to indulge in all that stupidity. I will only say this much that I have worked through two pregnancies on this very set with a female producer. I was very, very adamant on making my producer successful because, for a young female producer to get a show which became [this] iconic, as an actor, it was my responsibility to make sure that the ship kept sailing," she explained.

"It was my choice. I can't expect people to make my choices using their work ethic. So that's why I am saying it's an individual choice. Today, I understand that if I consistently don't turn up for my producer, they will suffer a huge loss, and it's not fair to them. If I don't turn up to work, 120 people do not get a pay cheque that day. It's unfair to 120 families. So, my way of viewing my work and my work product is very different," Irani added.

Talking about her career

Reflecting on her career as a working woman in demanding professions, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has had as a working mother. "It was my choice to be an actor; it was my choice to be a politician. It is my choice to have children. So, if I have made those choices in life, I should be responsible enough towards them. I can't say I chose to have a kid, so now you put the bill first," she said.

Given the current global emphasis on equal parenting, including the channel's recent brand film featuring Smriti, she was asked for her perspective on the matter. "Again, it's very nice to say nice things on camera and live a different reality. I am not that kind of hypocrite. I am of the opinion that today, especially young couples, they are deciding whether to have a child depending on the comfort that they have within their relationship, which will be brought to the child. So for me to sit in judgment of everybody and say it should be like this, it should be like that, it's unfair."