Deepika’s decision is pushing conversations beyond the glamGetty Images
When “enough” becomes revolutionary
What made this moment resonate wasn't just who said it, but when. After giving birth to daughter Dua in September 2024, Padukone’s priorities naturally shifted. She didn’t demand luxury. She asked for balance. And Bollywood, unaccustomed to being told “no,” didn’t take it well.
Her terms were straightforward: eight-hour shifts, payment for overtime, profit-sharing, and a refusal to perform intimate scenes or speak in Telugu; reasonable boundaries that suddenly became controversial when voiced by one of the industry’s most bankable stars.
When director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for pushing his cast in emotionally aggressive scenes, reportedly rejected these conditions, Padukone walked away from the project. She was swiftly replaced by Triptii Dimri. Vanga later alluded to “script leaks” and an unnamed actor who had “put down” a younger co-star, setting the entire social media ablaze with speculation.
But Deepika wasn’t dragging anyone down; she was raising the floor.
Behind the glamour, Deepika Padukone is leading a quiet revolution in work cultureGetty Images
Not a diva, just done
What’s shocking is how quickly people defaulted to calling her “difficult.” And yet, actors like Shah Rukh Khan are known for avoiding night shoots and Akshay Kumar famously doesn’t work Sundays. No one raises eyebrows when they draw boundaries because it’s framed as “professionalism.” But when a new mother does it? Suddenly, it's "unreasonable."
Director Siddharth P. Malhotra, who worked with Rani Mukerji during Hichki, exposed this double standard: “Rani asked for eight-hour shifts to be with her daughter. Kajol only did one shift a day for We Are Family. It’s only a problem when women say it aloud.”
The industry responds. Some with applause, some with alarm
The dominoes have finally started falling. Mani Ratnam called it a necessary reset. Pankaj Tripathi described his own past of 16-18 hour days as “soul-draining,” while Barun Sobti, an actor-turned-producer, said he’d enforce 8-hour shifts if given the reins. Kajol, ever candid, deadpanned, “I love that you can work less,” while Ajay Devgn added that “honest filmmakers” would never object.
From star to changemaker, Deepika Padukone is rewriting the rules of the setGetty Images
But not everyone cheered
Director Tarun Mansukhani worried about logistical chaos. Some commented: “What happens when mid-budget films start losing their heroes to time clocks?” Others whispered about setting a dangerous precedent.
More than just a star’s schedule
This isn’t just about an actor clocking out early. It’s about rethinking the ecosystem.
Tripathi’s remark: “The actor leaves; the labourers stay”, in fact revealed the hierarchy. Spot boys, technicians, junior artists, they don’t get to negotiate. They wait, often unpaid for overtime, as the “show must go on.” The real question Deepika raises is: if she can’t get fair hours, who can?
And then there’s pay. A producer once told her they couldn't afford to pay her more because it would require cutting the male lead's salary and her response was a simple: 'Goodbye'.
The message? Equal pay isn’t a negotiation; it’s a principle.
When one woman said no to burnout, Bollywood was forced to listenGetty Images
Bollywood vs the world
Hollywood actors operate under union protections like SAG-AFTRA mandates, rest breaks, overtime pay, and hard stop hours. Violate it, and the studio pays. In contrast, Bollywood thrives on chaos masked as passion. People wear sleeplessness as a badge of honour. But glamour doesn’t justify grind.
While some southern Indian industries like Tollywood and Mollywood run leaner and faster, the Bollywood machine is notoriously disorganised, more time wasted in disarray than in shooting.
As one Mumbai-based casting director put it, “We imitate Hollywood’s sparkle but not their structure.”
Challenging the grind: how Deepika is shifting industry norms one demand at a timeGetty Images
Will the industry bend or break?
Deepika's stand has pushed the debate beyond vanity. This is about structure, safety, and sustainability. If the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) and the Indian Film & Television Producers Council (IFTPC) don’t use this flashpoint to draw up new frameworks, the fallout will continue to be individual actors “opting out” rather than an industry choosing to change.
There’s already noise on social media from mid-tier actors who’ve faced burnout. They described enduring 14-hour shoot days with minimal breaks and have urged producers to build reasonable rest periods into their schedules. The pot’s boiling.
Deepika Padukone’s stand is making work-life balance a power move in Indian cinemaGetty Images
The curtain call
What started with one woman asking to wrap up on time has opened a conversation that Bollywood has avoided for far too long. Deepika Padukone’s quiet battle has exposed the uncomfortable truth: that this industry, which prides itself on discipline and “family vibes,” often forgets that families need time, sleep, and respect.
She didn’t just ask for eight hours. She asked for dignity and, most importantly, balance. And in doing so, she’s invited every actor, technician, spot boy, and choreographer to do the same.
This isn’t a diva’s whim; it’s like labour is stepping into the spotlight, demanding its long-overdue close-up. Bollywood’s glamour will always shine. But maybe, finally, it won’t have to come at the cost of people collapsing under its weight.
How did Blatten end up in this tragedy?
Blatten sits below the Birch Glacier, which geologist Christophe Lambiel described as unique — it is the only glacier in the region that has been advancing over the past decade, while others have been retreating. A massive section of the glacier recently broke away and slid downhill, triggering the catastrophic landslide that nearly wiped out the village.
Around 300 residents and their livestock were evacuated in time, averting further tragedy. No deaths have been reported, though a 64-year-old man remains missing. Rescue teams and search dogs have been deployed, but the search has been suspended due to worsening weather conditions.
Experts believe this may only be the beginning. Geologists have warned of further hazards, including flooding, as the landslide debris — stretching across 2 km — is now obstructing the River Lonza. If the blockage causes the lake to overflow, downstream villages could be at risk.
"I don't want to talk just now. I lost everything yesterday. I hope you understand," said one middle-aged woman from Blatten, recalling the harrowing experience.
The beautiful village of Blatten in the Swiss AlpsGetty Images
The once-beautiful roads winding through the valley are now buried in mud. While residents remain calm, the looming threat of further flooding is a growing concern.
"The water from the River Lonza cannot flow down the valley because there is an enormous plug," said geologist Raphael Mayoraz, suggesting the risk of flooding in nearby areas. The river is now backed up with as much as one million cubic metres of water, worsened by accumulated landslide material.
"We’re not in a state to think about future shocks just yet," added Jonas Jeitziner, a local official.
“The unimaginable has happened,” said Matthias Bellwald, Mayor of Blatten. The tragedy is a stark reminder of the effects of rising temperatures on Alpine permafrost, which once held gravel and boulders in place. The Birch Glacier had shown visible cracks earlier this month, raising concerns long before the slide.
In 2022, Switzerland lost 6 per cent of its glacier volume, followed by a further 4 per cent in 2023.
The landslide that buried almost half of Blatten villageReuters
Despite the destruction, the people of Blatten remain united. Locals, scientists and the army are working together to begin the long road to recovery.
Even in the face of such devastation, the spirit of Blatten remains strong. "We've lost the village, but not the heart,” said Mayor Bellwald. “The village is under the gravel, but we're going to get up. We are going to stand in solidarity and rebuild. Everything is possible."
From journeys of healing and hope to the pursuit of awe, empathy and curiosity, his list offers a refreshing perspective on how travel can transform both our lives and our understanding of the world. Like his timely book, it may help make travel more fulfilling.
His acclaimed book 'Why We Travel'Instagram/ ashbhardwaj
Curiosity: It is tempting to think that some people are more curious than others, but curiosity can be developed through practice. If you have ever wondered why they speak Spanish in Colombia, for example, you could plan a trip that explores colonial history and its enduring indigenous culture. Try replicating things you already enjoy at home – if you love football or cricket, go and watch a local match.
Inspiration: Stories are innately human, and they inspire us to follow the paths of others. ‘Set-jetting’ is when tourists visit filming locations from their favourite movies and shows – you could visit Interlaken in Switzerland, where many Bollywood films were shot, follow Lyra’s trail from His Dark Materials in Oxford, or take the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland (also known as the ‘Hogwarts Express’).
Mentorship: From art classes in Florence to cooking courses in Thailand, learning a new skill has become a popular aspect of travel. It is not only a great way to immerse yourself in local culture, but also a chance to connect with residents. You will come home with more than just souvenirs – you will gain new knowledge and memories.
Hardship: Not something you would put at the top of a holiday wish list, but a physical challenge can enrich your trip. If you are a runner, you could plan a holiday around a city marathon. Or you might enjoy a countryside hike. It is a great way to avoid tourist traps – and offers the satisfaction of earning your adventure.
Service: ‘Voluntourism’ has faced criticism due to unethical practices by some companies, but there are valuable ways to give back. The best approach is to use your skills where they are needed. If you are an accountant, you could help a charity organise its finances; if you are a social media expert, perhaps support a family-run hotel. Giving back while travelling can be extraordinarily rewarding.
Empathy: An offshoot of curiosity, empathy places greater focus on people. In today’s world of commodified travel marketing, it is easy to forget that the places we visit are home to those who live there. By learning about the history, joining local activities or sports, and spending time with local guides, you can develop a deeper, more meaningful understanding of a culture.
Healing: Rest and relaxation are central to any holiday, but some journeys place them at the heart of the experience. Religious pilgrimage is perhaps the oldest form of elective travel, yet increasing numbers of nonreligious travellers are now embarking on routes like the Kumano Kodo Trail in Japan, Gangotri in the Himalayas and the Ridgeway in England. These journeys offer a chance to let go of schedules and obligations, trust your feet, and allow your mind to move at the same pace as your boots.
Wonder: Awe is the emotional experience of feeling small in the presence of something vast. It might arise from gazing at the Milky Way in Yorkshire’s Dark Sky Reserve, standing atop a rumbling volcano in Iceland, or dancing in sync with thousands of revellers at a music festival. Wonder is the mindset that opens us to awe, and travel often makes it easier to access. But we can also find it closer to home, in things we tend to overlook, such as Britain’s striking architecture or the shifting colours of autumn leaves.
Companionship: Travelling with others can sometimes be frustrating, as it often involves compromise. But whether it is food or activities, companions can introduce us to things we might otherwise overlook. If you are travelling with a partner, try taking turns to plan an entire day, from meals to sightseeing. Some moments may not thrill you, but you might discover something unexpected. And the next day, it will be your turn to do (and eat) exactly what you want.
Hope: Author Jamie Anderson described grief as “all the love you want to give, but cannot” – and it can feel overwhelming. But “commemorative travel”, undertaken in memory of someone we have lost, can help transform that pain into hope. It might mean visiting a place from their childhood, or completing a journey you had once planned together. These experiences can offer space for reflection, and through spontaneous moments and meaningful connection, keep their presence alive in both memory and life.
Ash Bhardwaj is the author of Why We Travel, published by Bedford Square. It is available now in paperback. Instagram: @ashbhardwaj
