Amid ongoing discussions about work-life balance in the film industry, sparked by Deepika Padukone’s recent exit from Spirit, veteran playback singer Kumar Sanu has weighed in on the complexities of filmmaking schedules. Deepika, who recently became a mother, reportedly stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Prabhas-starrer due to the film’s demanding hours. She has since been replaced by Triptii Dimri.Speaking exclusively to ETimes, Sanu offered a measured view of the situation. “Of course filmmaking is a time-consuming work and we cannot lock it to an 8-hour shift as it takes time to set up camera, make changes to the set. It takes a lot of time,” he said.However, he acknowledged the artist’s side too. “Filmmakers need to look at their artists’ life and schedule as well. Referring to Deepika’s situation as she’s a new mom—it could be mentally and physically exhausting. So both actors and directors should be looking out for each other as it’s a team work. Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Deepika Padukone are both right in their own respective ways.”‘Putting a number to creativity doesn’t make sense’When asked whether limiting shooting hours might help actors perform better, Sanu took a more nuanced view.“Budget and time allotted can put pressure on the creative team, but we also have to see that there have been really good and enjoyable movies and really bad movies made in the same time as each other. Creativity is in the mind of the filmmaking crew. Putting a number to it doesn’t make any sense,” he explained.“If we make a certain number an industry standard, it might affect some and it might not affect others. Slandering or bashing actors or directors is not the way to handle this debate.”‘Mothers need empathy, not pressure’Sanu also stressed the importance of empathy in an industry that often overlooks the personal challenges of its stars.“Work and life balance is really important. With actresses especially when they become mothers, we need to be understanding and give them their comfort on humanity ground,” he said. “There are many complications after becoming a mother and every woman faces different things.”He added, “Movies were being made in the 50s and 60s when there was lack of convenience, but they worked around it. In today’s time, we have so much convenience, people should be more understanding now.”‘More hours don’t mean better output’As someone who has seen both speed and quality coexist in the music industry, Sanu believes longer hours aren’t always productive.“That is dependent on the filmmakers. There’s no guarantee of better results because we have some amazing actors who can deliver in short time,” he noted. “I recorded Kuch Na Kaho in 9 minutes and it was just a rehearsal—yet it was a super hit song. More time doesn’t guarantee better results.”
‘Professionalism and punctuality matter more than hours’Asked about models of production he admires for efficiency, Sanu pointed to values over regions.“Production model is punctuality and professionalism. For example, the legendary Amitabh Bachchan was known for his punctuality,” he said. “So the production model for efficiency should follow punctuality and preparation—arriving on time, being prepared, and doing their homework in advance. That kind of discipline sets the tone for a smooth and productive shoot.”Shorter shifts could be a double-edged sword economicallyOn the potential economic impact of implementing 8-hour shoot days across the industry, Sanu offered a reality check.“Economically it’ll be negative especially for those who work on hourly basis or shift basis. Unless someone has a one-off contract, then it’s positive for them,” he said.Still, he acknowledged that the shift might create new opportunities. “Yes, it will definitely create more job opportunities and they will save time as well.”
