Kajol Speaks Out on Work Hours Debate, Says She Never Worked 20-Hour Days

Veteran Bollywood actor Kajol has weighed in on the ongoing debate around long working hours in the film industry, stating that she has always prioritized a balanced work schedule since the beginning of her career.

The conversation around working conditions in the film industry recently intensified following reports that actor Deepika Padukone allegedly exited director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit due to disagreements over an eight-hour shift demand and other working conditions.

In an interview with PTI, Kajol, 50, said she never experienced such grueling schedules in her decades-long career. “I didn’t work for 20 or 30 hours. I was always very clear that we would work a certain amount only,” she said. “I was one of the few people who worked on one film at a time. I didn’t take on four films simultaneously like others. I would finish one and then move on to the next.”

She credited her ability to maintain this balance to both her family and the producers she worked with. “My mom backed me up big time on this, and the producers I worked with were very understanding,” Kajol added.

The Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge star’s remarks come at a time when growing concerns about the physical and mental toll of excessive work hours are prompting calls for standardized schedules and better working conditions within the film fraternity.

As the industry grapples with evolving work norms, Kajol’s comments serve as a reminder that boundaries and support systems are essential for sustaining long-term careers in cinema.