The recent buzz about Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s alleged rift has led to more serious debates in the film industry. One of the most significant ones is the demand for fewer working hours, which gives actors, especially new moms, more time to spend with their families. Although the actress’s demand for 6 to 8-hour work shifts reportedly shocked the filmmaker and was called ‘unprofessional’ by some media outlets, other actors are supporting the call. Earlier, Ajay Devgn mentioned that honest filmmakers would agree with the demand, and the latest actor to join the debate for more work-life balance is Saif Ali Khan. Here’s what he has to say.
Saif Ali Khan admits he wants to spend more time with his family
Saif Ali Khan recently sat down for a conversation at the Arab Media Summit. Among other things, the actor discussed how success for him is about getting a chance to choose his family. The actor explained that being a father of two small kids, Taimur and Jeh, he wants to come back home and spend time with them. However, due to the lengthy work hours, he often comes home to find his children asleep. Consequently, he stays away from work during his vacation days where he focuses on his family. In his words:
“I hate coming home and seeing the kids already asleep. That’s not success. Success is being able to say, ‘No, I need to go home now to catch that half hour with them.’ We get four holidays a year, and when my kids are on break, I don’t work. That time is sacred. I’m at that crazy age where I have to call both my mum and my children. You think it’s just your parents you have to check on — then you realise it’s both.”
Saif Ali Khan supported the need for actors to be able to say no when it comes to their family time or personal well-being. He acknowledged that work is significant, but so is small and simple moments with kids. Due to these reasons, success for him is about the ability to prioritise his family time. Sharing his views, Saif said:
“Working is important, yes. But so is cooking pasta together, having a meal, and focusing on the kids. That’s the real glue of life. Success and privilege, for me, is being able to say no to work and yes to time with my family.”
What is the conflict between Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga?
The controversy between Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga began after the actress kept forward certain conditions which allegedly left the filmmaker stunned. The actress who was supposed to star opposite Prabhas in Spirit allegedly asked for an eight-hour work shift, profit sharing, inability to speak dialogue in Telugu and pre-decided days of work. However, the makers rejected them and Triptii Dimri was cast in her place.
However, later, an entertainment portal shared a story which gave out hints about the plot of Sandeep Reddy Vanga including its A-rated scenes and intense action. Sandeep Reddy Vanga later took to his X handle and shared a post where he mentioned that one of his team members leaked the story for bad PR tactics against his upcoming film. He didn’t take names, but netizens felt he was targeting Deepika as he penned:
“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”
What do you think about Saif Ali Khan backing the need for more family time for actors?
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