Renuka Shahane reacts to the 8hrs shift debate amidst Deepika Padukone's exit from 'Spirit', says, 'It's a matter of choice'

Renuka Shahane known for 'Hum Aapke Hai Koun..' and directing films like 'Tribhanga', Marathi film 'Rita', has now shared her thoughts on the 8-hour shift debate which has started post Deepika Padukone's exit from 'Spirit'.

It was being reported that Deepika had demanded for an eight-hour shift and not more than that, now that she's a new mom to baby Dua. This started a discussion within the industry. Renuka Shahane expressed her opinions on 8-hour shifts for actors during this time, stating that it is a personal decision. She said, although it is a personal preference, she believes that 8-hour shifts shouldn't be necessary because many mothers may need to work 18 hours.In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the actress shared, “I don’t want to make a general statement on it because I feel that there are even some male actors who would like to minimize hours, not just female actors. A lot of them have come out and said that they want to spend time with their families. In this context, it’s a difficult thing to say, because it is a matter of individual choice."The 58-year-old actress, who is a mother of two, said she knows a lot of working women who bring their kids along to work 18-hour shifts on daily soap opera sets.

She thinks it's their decision, and producers have the final say if they agree. Since some women may need or prefer to work those long hours, there shouldn't be any pressure. “I know of a lot of working mothers who are going to work in daily soaps for 18-hour shifts, and they manage their child by taking them to the set, and kind of raising them practically on the set.

It is a choice that they have made and who am I to say anything about that? If the producer accepts that, it’s their prerogative.

There should not be a compulsion as there might be mothers who want or need to work for 18 hours. It’s a very individual thing," she said.The ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ star also emphasised on the importance of mutual understanding between the creators and actors. “Whenever you decide to sign on the dotted line, that has to be something mutual. And that sense of respect has to be there because if there is no respect, you’re not going to be able to work with each other at all," she said. On the work front, Renuka Shahane was last seen in Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar’s Marathi film ‘Devmanus’ co-starring Mahesh Manjrekar, which released in theatres in April this year.