Tilotama Shome on 8-Hour Work Shift Debate: ‘Why Did It Become an Issue Only After Deepika Padukone?’

Actor Tilotama Shome has shared her thoughts on the ongoing discussion around the Tilotama Shome 8-hour work shift debate, saying the conversation did not begin recently. Speaking about the issue with NDTV, she said actors have been working shorter schedules for many years, but it suddenly became a major talking point after Deepika Padukone spoke about preferring an eight-hour work shift. According to Tilotama, the practice has existed in the industry for a long time, but it received wider attention because a leading star raised the subject publicly.

The actress explained that many established actors have worked fewer than the traditional 12-hour shifts for years. She believes the difference is that when a star with significant influence speaks about workplace conditions, the conversation naturally reaches a much larger audience. Tilotama added that the debate should not be viewed as something new but as an issue that has always existed within the film industry.

Sharing her own observations, Tilotama said newcomers often do not have the luxury of negotiating their working hours. She pointed out that people who are just entering the industry are usually eager to prove themselves, making them more vulnerable to long schedules and difficult working conditions. According to her, inexperienced actors are sometimes taken advantage of because they fear losing opportunities if they refuse demands placed before them.

She further said that things change with time, experience and success. Once actors establish themselves and build credibility, they gain the confidence to set boundaries and say no when required. She believes that bargaining power grows with an actor’s career, and those who have earned recognition are in a much stronger position to negotiate healthier work schedules.

Tilotama’s comments have added another perspective to the ongoing discussion about work-life balance in Bollywood. Rather than focusing only on shorter shifts, she highlighted the gap between newcomers and established stars, stressing that equal working conditions should eventually become a reality for everyone in the industry.

On the work front, Tilotama was most recently seen in Netflix’s courtroom drama Ikka, where she played the role of rookie public prosecutor Madhura alongside Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna and Dia Mirza. Her performance in the film has been appreciated for bringing depth and sincerity to a layered character.

Looking ahead, the acclaimed actress has several exciting projects in the pipeline. She is set to headline Mujhe Jaan Na Kaho Meri Jaan, produced by Shweta Tripathi, and has also confirmed that she will soon begin shooting for her first horror film, marking a new genre in her 25-year acting career.

With her balanced and practical views on the 8-hour work shift discussion, Tilotama Shome has once again brought attention to the realities of working in the entertainment industry. Her remarks underline that while established stars may be able to negotiate better conditions, creating a healthier work culture for everyone, especially newcomers, remains the larger goal. To know such latest updates tuned BollyNexa Thank you