Television couple Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla have lent their voices to a growing conversation in the entertainment industry regulated and respectful working hours. Their support comes in light of reports that Deepika Padukone exited a film due to disagreements over her request for an eight-hour shift.
Rubina, best known for shows like Chotti Bahu and Saas Bina Sasural, shared that this struggle has existed for years. “This (working hours) has been a struggle even when I was new to the industry, but very rarely are we heard,” she said, adding that raising concerns often makes headlines, but little changes. According to her, “working hours have to be respectful.”
She revealed having worked up to 17 hours in a day and expressed a desire to change the system if given the opportunity. “If I become a producer, I shall ensure that my people work within eight hours. I’ll create a system wherein we do meaningful and good work within eight hours, and it’s a win-win thing for everyone.” Padukone’s demand, she said, “has not been unrealistic.”
Abhinav Shukla, who has featured in Silsila Badalte Rishton Ka and Diya Aur Baati Hum, acknowledged that some professions demand long hours. However, he pointed out that the real issue arises when it’s forced. “If someone forces you and even doesn’t pay you, then it’s wrong,” he stated. He clarified that many professionals, including traffic cops and doctors, work long shifts, but consent and fair compensation make all the difference.
Currently appearing together in Pati Patni Aur Panga, the couple opened up about their reality show experience too. “I’m authentic, and so is our relationship,” Rubina said. Still, she noted that not everything in reality TV is entirely raw, “There are a lot of things that are manoeuvred… things are enhanced, moulded.”
