Smita Prakash, Kangana Ranaut’s interviewer, said that Deepika Padukone has earned her place today. She is a mother and has a daughter. Today, she is the most prominent actress. She has earned the right to work 8 hours today. She is a mother and has a family. She’s earned the right to be in a position where people will say, “Wait – I want her.” It’s fine if she stays for eight hours, because we will work around her schedule. Why not? …”Her remarks echo an idea that has been simmering in the background for some time. Should flexibility be a standard for everyone or a privilege that is tied to seniority? According to Dr Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant in Psychiatry, Aakash Healthcare, Dwarka, while hierarchical flexibility has long existed in high-pressure industries, it may not be sustainable.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to.”Work structures that reward seniority with better schedules can inadvertently normalise burnout for those earlier in their careers,” she explains. From a mental-health perspective, chronic fatigue and stress do not discriminate on the basis of experience or status. Dr Shankar stresses that fairness lies with creating baseline protections. “Healthy working hours shouldn’t be something that one ‘earns over time’. There should be minimum standards to ensure long-term health.”
View this post on Instagram
Dr Shankar believes that such decisions can influence industry standards. She says that when high-profile people prioritize structured schedules, this opens up discussions about sustainability. “Defined hours of work improve emotional regulation, reduces stress, and enhances overall productivity.” She adds that life changes like motherhood can bring clarity to boundaries. Kangana Ranaut slams India’s food deliveryBuilding healthier schedules across the industry”The film industry needs systemic reform,” says Dr Shankar. Dr Shankar says that long, unpredictable schedules may cause anxiety, sleep disturbances and burnout.
Rest periods are mandatory
Promoting predictable schedules
Designing work environments to reduce physical and mental stress
She emphasizes that “such measures should be applied uniformly.” “Health is not a privilege for a select few. It must be embedded in the system.”DISCLAIMER : This article is based upon information that was obtained from the public domain or experts we spoke with.
