Mumbai: Bollywood actress Yami Gautam and actor Emraan Hashmi are back on the big screen with their latest release Haq. At the film’s promotional event, Yami and director Supan Verma shared their thoughts on the ongoing discussion around implementing an eight-hour work shift in the Indian film industry — a debate that has sparked conversations about work-life balance, production efficiency, and gender sensitivity.
Addressing the topic with calm conviction, Yami Gautam emphasized the importance of understanding and empathy within the film fraternity. Drawing from her personal experience as a new mother, she said,
“Once you become a mother, you are always a mother. Whether you are working or staying at home, every mother is unique and gives her all for her child. For a mother, nothing is more important than her child.”
Speaking about how her personal life influences her professional choices, Yami clarified that she keeps her work and motherhood separate.
“The way I select my scripts is completely independent of my personal life,” she added. “Of course, like any other profession, we would love to have a defined time limit. But our industry functions differently — there are multiple factors like locations, permissions, and coordination with actors and technicians. That’s why the idea of a time cap is quite subjective. It depends on mutual understanding and collaboration between an actor, a producer, and a director.”
Director Supan Verma supported Yami’s perspective, highlighting the need for fairness and consistency across the board.
“This is an old issue in the industry,” he said. “Some actors already follow a fixed eight-hour, five-day work schedule and avoid night shoots. These terms are usually discussed in advance between the actor, producer, and director. So why does it become a problem when a female actor raises the same concern?”
He further added,
“Ultimately, we are all human beings trying to create art and express emotions under challenging circumstances. As long as the production’s needs are met, I see no harm in discussing work-hour limits.”
Yami’s remarks have struck a chord across social media, with many applauding her balanced and grounded take on the issue. Her acknowledgment of motherhood’s responsibilities — without demanding special treatment — resonated with fans and colleagues alike.
As Haq continues its theatrical run, the film has not only drawn attention for its gripping storyline but also reignited an important conversation about workplace flexibility, gender equity, and the evolving dynamics of the Indian film industry.
