Whenever a prominent star from South India takes on a Hindi film project, it often leads to discussions comparing the two film industries. In a recent interview, actress Jyotika openly discussed the notable contrasts she has observed between Bollywood and the Tamil film sector. She mentioned that after her debut Hindi film did not perform well, she felt that Bollywood “closed its doors” on her, while the Tamil industry continued to present her with opportunities despite her initial failure. Jyotika also commented on the more positive work environment in the South, questioning why Deepika Padukone’s request for an eight-hour workday became such a contentious topic.
During her conversation with Times Entertainment, Jyotika stated, “When my first Hindi film flopped, Bollywood shut the door on my career. In contrast, after my initial Tamil film didn’t succeed, I was still recognized for my work and presented with numerous new opportunities. That’s a significant difference.”
Despite her criticisms, Jyotika acknowledged that Bollywood has made strides in recent years, particularly in the portrayal of female characters. “Now that I have returned to Bollywood, I notice a change. The scripts being developed for women in their 40s are something the South has yet to fully explore. Each industry has its advantages and drawbacks,” she remarked.
On the topic of working hours in the film industry, Jyotika highlighted the more organized schedules prevalent in South Indian cinema. “In the South, our shifts typically end by 6 PM. For 99 percent of the films, we finish at that time. Our workday usually starts early, around 7 AM or 9 AM, and concludes by 6 PM,” she explained.
Sonakshi Sinha, who joined the discussion, expressed her confusion over why the demand for shorter work hours by actresses is still debated. “Why is this even a question? Many male actors do not work beyond eight hours. Regardless of whether their scenes are completed, they leave as soon as their time is up, and nobody questions that,” she noted.
She continued, “I believe that if an actor has reached a certain point in their career, having produced quality work over the years, it is perfectly reasonable to request an eight-hour shift.”
Jyotika concurred, particularly emphasizing the difficulties encountered by working mothers. “This is especially true when you are a mom,” she added. Sonakshi agreed, stating, “Yes, especially after childbirth. It’s important and justified.”
The two actresses are currently preparing for the premiere of their courtroom drama series titled System.
Last year, Deepika Padukone was at the center of widespread discussions in the industry after she reportedly left two significant projects: Spirit with Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 with Nag Ashwin. The controversy surrounding Spirit was linked to Deepika’s request for an eight-hour workday, while Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 fueled speculation regarding scheduling issues and demands for increased payment. Nonetheless, many industry insiders and fans rallied behind Deepika’s position, especially given her desire to spend more time with her daughter after nearly twenty years of relentless work and establishing herself as one of India’s leading actresses.
Recently, Deepika also announced her second pregnancy through a touching post on Instagram featuring her daughter, Dua.
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