Jun 20, 2025 10:51 AM IST Banita Sandhu mirrored on her experiences in Bollywood, emphasising the necessity for business rules concerning working hours. Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit has sparked a debate about an eight-hour shift for actors within the business. While many actors supported the demand, others linked it to particular person views. Banita Sandhu, who has labored on each Hollywood and Bollywood initiatives, recalled talking out in opposition to 16–18-hour shifts in Bollywood. (Also Read: Banita Sandhu says she was physique shamed: ‘They said I was too skinny to be attractive’) After Deepika Padukone, Banita Sandhu recollects talking up in opposition to 18 hour shift in Bollywood. In an interview with Screen, Banita highlighted the significance of robust business rules, noting that one of many key benefits within the West is the presence of highly effective unions that defend each actors and crew members. She recalled constantly advocating for 12-hour turnovers on units, stressing that filmmaking isn’t a warfare and nobody’s psychological well being must be compromised within the course of. According to her, the job ought to by no means come at the price of primary human rights. Banita Sandhu says she’s blaclisted from BollywoodShe additional recalled talking out in opposition to 16–18-hour shifts in Bollywood and mentioned, “With Hindi cinema, it is getting better now. But early in my career, when I really didn’t understand how industries work, I just assumed this was the way to work. I did 16–18 hours a day shifts, where producers aligned my schedule, I would shoot the whole day and then fly at night. I didn’t sleep for 24 hours straight. I stood up for myself and the crew. I told the producers that this is not okay. Maybe, I am blacklisted from that industry now, but I don’t care. I just believe in standing up for what’s right.” Banita Sandhu on fewer alternatives from BollywoodShe recalled how, after October, she wasn’t totally dwelling in India — flying in for shoots whereas additionally engaged on worldwide initiatives and finishing her faculty research in London. She mentioned, “I wasn’t as present as I could have been. There’s a perception that I went and came back, but for me, I never went away, I was always working, just in a different country. After October released, I graduated and I shot for at least 3 projects in a year – in Hollywood and South. I got work from all different parts of the world, maybe not much from Bollywood. I would have been filthy rich if I moved to India at that time. I remember many producers telling me we wanted you after October in so and so film, but we didn’t know where to find you. It works that way in Bollywood, if you’re out of sight, then out of mind.” For the unversed, Deepika was speculated to star reverse Prabhas in Spirit. However, in response to experiences, the actor’s calls for — together with a share within the movie’s earnings, an eight-hour working day, and extra — didn’t sit properly with the filmmaker, resulting in her exit from the challenge. The movie now stars Triptii Dimri within the lead position. Banita Sandhu’s current releaseMeanwhile, Banita is presently seen within the movie Detective Sherdil, starring alongside Diljit Dosanjh, Boman Irani, Diana Penty, Ratna Pathak Shah, and Chunky Panday in key roles. The comedy whodunnit, directed by Ravi Chhabriya, is obtainable to stream on ZEE5.
