The conversation around grueling and unregulated working hours in the Indian film industry, recently reignited by Deepika Padukone, has found a powerful new voice. Actor Radhika Apte has now taken a definitive stand, declaring she will only accept projects that guarantee a strict 12-hour work shift, a move that highlights the pressing need for systemic change, especially for working parents.
A Clear Ultimatum for Producers
In a candid conversation with Hindustan Times, Radhika Apte, who celebrated her daughter's first birthday recently, laid down her new non-negotiable condition for taking on work. The acclaimed actress of 'Andhadhun' and 'Badlapur' fame stated she will not be able to work unless producers agree to 12-hour shifts. She provided crucial context, clarifying that this 12-hour limit must include travel, makeup, and hair time.
"Otherwise we are basically working for 16 hours as you're on set for a minimum of 14 hours, including your hair makeup and just a little bit of extended shift. Then you have at least an hour-and-a-half of travel, wherever you're working from," she explained. This precise calculation underscores the hidden extension of the standard 'shooting day' that often goes unacknowledged.
The High Cost of Long Days: Missing Family
Radhika stressed that the primary driver behind her firm stance is the inability to spend meaningful time with her child under the current exhausting schedules. She pointed out the lack of weekly offs and even proper lunch breaks on some sets, making a balanced life impossible.
"You can't be away for 16 hours, otherwise you will never get to see your child. So, it's not possible to work that way for me," she asserted. The actress is fully aware that her position may lead to losing out on several projects, acknowledging that many producers may not agree to her terms. She added that any work she takes on now must be compelling enough to justify time away from her daughter.
Motherhood, Freedom, and a Conscious Pause
Radhika recently experienced being away from her daughter for the first time during the promotions of her film ‘Saali Mohabbat’ in Mumbai. While she found it emotionally challenging, she appreciated the brief respite and the strong bond her daughter shares with her father. The actress and her partner manage parenting without a nanny, which she says has strengthened their family unit.
Contrary to the trend of reduced offers post-motherhood that many female actors report, Radhika clarified that she has continued to receive work. She has already had two releases since giving birth – ‘Sister Midnight’ and ‘Saali Mohabbat’, where she plays the role of Smita opposite Divyendu Sharma. However, she has consciously chosen to slow down and has declined all new work until at least April, with only one potential film in consideration.
By linking her professional demands directly to her role as a mother, Radhika Apte has added significant weight to the growing call for humane and fixed working hours in Bollywood. Her stance signals that when she does return to sets, it will be on terms that respect both her craft and her family.
