Kanika Dhillon Support Deepika’s 8 Hour Workday Debate But Not The Profit Sharing

Kanika Dhillon has shared her perspective on the ongoing debate around working hours for women in the film industry, particularly the discussion sparked by Deepika Padukone’s reported stance on limiting working hours. Speaking to the media on the side-lines of the Women Building Indian Cinema event, Kanika stressed that there should not be a universal rule when it comes to how many hours a woman should work.

The conversation around working hours has gained considerable attention after Deepika’s position was discussed publicly, with the idea of an eight-hour working day for women artists becoming a talking point across the industry. The debate has also raised larger questions about marriage, motherhood, work-life balance and whether female professionals should have the freedom to determine the structure of their careers.

Asked about the issue, Kanika made it clear that she believes the decision should ultimately belong to the individual woman. She said, “Well, to each their own. Some are mothers, or simply prefer to spend more time at home or strike a better work-life balance. Whether in the film industry or the corporate sector, it is a woman's choice how many hours she works and how she manages her professional life. I don't think there is a one-size-fits-all rule; it is a personal decision, and any approach is valid—be it eight hours or twelve. It should come down to what makes you happy and what works for you”

Kanika’s response shifts the focus away from imposing a specific number of hours and towards personal choice. For someone working in an industry where schedules can vary dramatically depending on productions, locations and shooting requirements, the question of working hours can be particularly complicated.

Her comments also bring work-life balance into the larger discussion. Women in the entertainment industry, like women in other professions, may have different responsibilities and priorities at different stages of their lives. While some may prefer a shorter working day, others may be comfortable working longer hours if the project and circumstances demand it.

The filmmaker’s view is that neither approach should automatically be considered more correct than the other. An eight-hour schedule may work perfectly for one person, while another may choose to work twelve hours. According to Kanika, the important factor should be whether the arrangement allows the individual to remain professionally fulfilled while maintaining the personal balance she wants.

The conversation then moved towards another increasingly discussed issue — whether women should receive specific advantages or additional benefits within the film industry. Kanika was asked about reports that Deepika had sought a 10 percent profit share for her upcoming film Spirit with Prabhas, raising questions about whether leading female stars should negotiate differently when it comes to remuneration and profit participation.

Kanika responded with a smile and a simple, “Well...I mean…..” before ending the interview. Her brief response left the question open to interpretation, without offering a clear position on the reported profit-sharing arrangement.

Her comments came at the Women Building Indian Cinema event, a special panel hosted by Women in Film India and Kathha Pictures on August 27, 2026. The gathering brought together influential women from different corners of the film industry to discuss collaboration, representation and the growing role of women in shaping Indian cinema.

The panel featured actor-producer Taapsee Pannu, Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, writer-filmmaker Kanika Dhillon and producer Madhu Chopra. The event also coincided with the upcoming release of Gandhari, adding another layer to the conversation around women-led stories and female representation in the industry.

Kanika’s comments ultimately underline a simple idea: professional choices cannot always be reduced to a universal formula. Whether a woman chooses to work eight hours, twelve hours or structure her career differently altogether, the decision should reflect what works for her life.

As the conversation around working conditions, remuneration and equality continues to evolve in Bollywood, Kanika’s emphasis on individual choice adds another voice to an increasingly important industry-wide discussion.