India, Oct. 15 -- In 2025, Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD sequel sparked a debate about shorter working hours for actors on set. Several actors backed Deepika's demand for eight-hour shifts, and now Drishyam 3 star Ishita Dutta has also weighed in, saying producers should not belittle actors for making such requests.

In an interview with Free Press Journal, Ishita said she does not believe an eight-hour shift is an unreasonable demand. She pointed out that several male actors are neither mothers nor willing to work for 12-15 hours a day. She said, "I'm saying giving it or not (8 hour shift) is your personal choice, so production can say no but making a big deal about it and trying...