Mistry actress Shikha Talsania supports Deepika Padukone's 8-hour shift request - 'I think it's absolutely fine, she’s a new mom'

Deepika Padukone has reportetdly asked for an eight hour long shift.

The buzz around Deepika Padukone's request for an 8-hour shift per day while signing Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit has reignited a long-overdue conversation in the film industry - what does a sustainable work culture look like in showbiz?

Actor Shikha Talsania, who is being praised for her performance as Shranaya in hit show Mistry, had a refreshingly practical and empathetic view.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, Shikha said: "I actually think it's absolutely fine. She's a new mother. She’s been in the industry for a while. And she's proven herself.”

The industry has long operated under an unspoken norm — 12-14 hour shifts, erratic schedules, and often zero work-life balance. But as actors like Deepika begin to demand more structured hours, is Bollywood finally ready to evolve?

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To this Shikha said it depends on where you are in life. “Right now, I’m not a mother. I can give that much time, and I’d like to if I get a chance to work with someone like Ram Madhvani — 100%. But for someone else, in a different stage of life, it’s fair to want a better balance," she told us.

Shikha also touched upon how family dynamics are rarely acknowledged when it comes to scheduling.

"Anyone starting a new family, be it a mother or father, needs time. We’re finally at a point where people are even beginning to ask for that time. That itself is progress," she added.

“This isn’t about Deepika alone. It’s about creating a working structure for the entire crew. It's high time we looked at humane work cultures across the board," says Shikha advocating a balanced life for all the crew members and not just actors.

As someone who has worked in films, theatre, and the OTT space, Shikha’s opinion holds weight. She’s seen the grind, and also knows the importance of being present - both professionally and personally.

“If you ask me, it’s all about balance. I live my life. I go for fittings, I work out, I eat right — and sometimes I cheat and eat chocolate cake. That’s life,” she smiles.

"There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. If Deepika is asking for an 8-hour shift — she’s earned the right to set her boundaries. And I think we all should be allowed to," she said.

As more actors speak out, and the lines between personal and professional begin to blur, it’s evident that a structural shift is on the horizon.