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The Hindu
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Deepika Padukone, eight-hour shifts in Bollywood, and speculation media — a guide
In India, in the entertainment sphere, this has been a Deepika Padukone news week. The Bollywood actor on Saturday (June 7, 2025) officially boarded the cast of Telugu star Allu Arjun's sci-fi magnum opus with director Atlee. The announcement, while delighting fans, arrived in a charged context: Deepika, currently on a maternity break, has waded into a controversy after her alleged fallout with the makers of Spirit, leading to her departure from the film. Did Deepika walk out of Spirit or was she dropped? Was she fair in demanding a 10% profit share, as claimed in certain reports? Are eight-hour work shifts feasible on blockbuster film sets? Is Deepika not returning for Kalki 2? These questions have swirled around for days on social media, even as Deepika (who welcomed her daughter Dua in September last year) or her representatives are yet to comment on the issue. As the cycle of speculation continues, here is a breakdown of how things unfolded, what is confirmed and unconfirmed, and how the film industry is responding to this moment. How it started Deepika Padukone was rumoured to star opposite Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, Spirit. However, reports emerged last month of negotiations falling through, leading to Deepika's exit from the film. Among the reasons that emerged was the actor's demand for an eight-hour workday clause in her contract to accommodate her new role as a parent. She also wanted — it was claimed — a remuneration of ₹20-25 crore, and extra pay for shoots extending beyond 100 days. These demands reportedly did not sit well with the film's director, and Padukone was soon replaced by actor Triptii Dimri, who featured in Vanga's Animal. Vanga later took to social media, fulminating against the situation and alleging 'Dirty PR games'. Without naming Padukone, he accused her of leaking Spirit's story and 'undermining' a younger female actor. The 8-hour workday debate The demand for shorter and sustainable work hours is not new in Bollywood. The Indian film industry is notorious for gruelling and extended shoots. A typical film shoot can go up to 12-16 hours a day. There are problems of scheduling, location availability and coordination. While India's labour laws restrict work to 48 hours a week, this doesn't quite apply to a film set, which is, legally speaking, neither a factory nor a business establishment. Technicians, junior artists and daily wagers seem to suffer the most, but even top stars find their commitments overbearing, struggling to balance life and work. In January this year, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting poor work conditions and exploitative practices in the film industry. The letter highlighted '16 to 20 hours a day without holidays, proper breaks or rest'. Actor Pankaj Tripathi, in a recent interview, revealed the same: 'The work hours are getting stretched. I am working 16 to 18 hours on end.' Radhika Apte recently asserted that the industry isn't conducive to new mothers. Apte currently lives in London with her husband and newborn daughter. 'It's really difficult to work in our film industry, given the number of hours and how we film generally, and the time for which we don't get to see the child. So I guess I'll just have to figure it out now,' she told Indian Express. Industry's response Padukone's seeming advocacy of sustainable work hours has started a conversation in the popular sphere. At an event, asked about the demand for eight-hour shifts for new mothers, actor Kajol said: 'I would love the fact that you can work less.' Kajol's daughter Nysa was an infant when Kajol filmed for Karan Johar's My Name Is Khan. At the same event, Ajay Devgn said that the industry has taken positively to this demand. 'Most of the honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. Apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight-to nine-hour shifts,' he said, adding, 'It's person to person, and I feel most of the industry understands this.' Saif Ali Khan, Mani Ratnam and Barun Sobti also joined the chorus for better work-life balance. However, the Producers Guild of India (PGI) and the Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA) are yet to comment on the issue. Deepika's upcoming films The Deepika news cycle has been representative of the speculation media ecosystem. On June 5, unconfirmed reports, citing an Instagram page with two million followers, claimed that Deepika had been dropped from Nag Ashwin's Kalki sequel. The first film, Kalki 2898 AD, a dystopian sci-fi fantasy, featured Deepika as a central character alongside Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. In the wake of the Spirit controversy, it was rumoured that the actor's demand for shorter work caused 'friction on set', a claim that later was rubbished by a source close to the film. Speaking to NDTV, the source said, 'No shoot, no sets, no interaction and therefore, no question of a fallout.' Meanwhile, Deepika — an in-demand star for big-screen action spectacles — has joined the cast of AA22xA6. Her second collaboration with Atlee after 2023's Jawaan, the film will feature Deepika as a female warrior in a sci-fi world. She is also slated to return in sequels to Pathaan and Brahmastra.
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Business Standard
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
GJC calls on gem traders to stop business with Turkiye, Azerbaijan
After Turkiye and Azerbaijan extended diplomatic support to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC) on Friday urged the industry to terminate all business transactions with both nations. "The Indian gem and jewellery sector stands united in support of the nation. It is imperative that our industry sets a strong example by prioritising the country over commerce. We call upon every jeweller, manufacturer, trader, and wholesaler to stop all transactions with Turkiye and Azerbaijan," GJC chairman Rajesh Rokde said. "By halting trade, we send a clear message of unity and resolve, reinforcing our industry's role as a pillar of national pride. Let us unite as an industry to uphold these values, showcasing our resilience and loyalty to India's honour and security," he added. The jewellery body's move comes after a few other sectors, too, have voiced their opposition to doing business with Türkiye and Azerbaijan. Boycott calls by other industries Earlier this week, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) demanded an immediate visa ban for the artists from these two countries and has urged the Indian film industry to follow the boycott as well. It also called for a boycott of Türkiye as a shooting location. Earlier in the day, the Federation of Western India Cine Workers had also called for a ban on shooting films in that country as well as on other cultural collaborations. Notably, Turkish shows on OTT platforms are quite popular in India. Tourism Several Indians planning their holiday trips to Turkey and Azerbaijan have decided to cancel their plans amid the current geopolitical situation. 'Indian travellers have expressed strong sentiments over the past one week, with bookings for Azerbaijan and Turkey decreasing by 60%, while cancellations have surged by 250% during the same period,' a spokesperson for MakeMyTrip said earlier this week. The platform added that it had pulled down all offers and promotions for both countries. 'In solidarity with our nation and out of deep respect for our armed forces, we strongly support this sentiment and advise against all non-essential travel to Azerbaijan and Turkey,' the firm said. According to data shared by EaseMyTrip, 287,000 Indians visited Turkey last year, while 243,000 travelled to Azerbaijan. Tourism is an important industry for both the nations. - Turkey: 12% of GDP, 10% of employment - Azerbaijan: 7.6% of GDP, 10% of employment Apple There have been several reports that Pune traders have called for a boycott of imports of Turkish apples and dry fruits. According to a Hindustan Times report, traders in Pune import apples, litchis, plums, cherries, and dry fruits from Turkiye. The import of apples alone is worth around ₹1,200 crore, the report added. Aviation The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) revoked the security clearance of the Istanbul-headquartered firm Çelebi Hava Servis citing concerns over national security. The firm provides ground handling services acorss several major airports across India. However, after BCAS revoked its security clearance, the firm's agreements and licences with Indian entities got terminated. Notably, according to Reuters, the Turkish firm has filed a plea in the Delhi HC against the BCAS order.
Hindustan Times
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
AICWA, FWICE urge film industry to boycott Turkey, Azerbaijan over its pro-Pakistan stance; filmmakers weigh in
Indian film bodies have urged the industry to stop shoots in Turkey and Azerbaijan after both countries expressed solidarity with Pakistan during the recent Indo-Pak tensions. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) have also issued press releases asking to boycott shooting in Turkey and also its artistes from working in India. The FWICE has further gone ahead and sent letters to the I&B Ministry and OTT giants in India, demanding the removal of Turkish shows. Several Indian films like Guru (2007), Race 2 (2013), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) were shot in Turkey, giving the country a boost in economy and tourism. A source reveals, 'When an Indian film is shot in Turkey, even a schedule of 2-4 days costs somewhere around ₹5 crore to ₹6 crore. With big stars and huge production houses, the cost can go up to ₹30 crore to ₹40 crore. The cost largely depends on the location they choose but this is a blanket amount.' Speaking about the call for a boycott, Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, President , AICWA tells us, "AICWA has only one demand that Indian films should not be shot in Turkey or Azerbaijaan. Secondly, anyone from Turkey or Azerbaijaan who is working in India, we should ban them and their visas should be cancelled. We will also write to India's Foreign Ministry regarding this matter.' BN Tiwari, President, FWICE, says, 'Our first principle is nation first. You are giving weapons which are harming people who are innocent. We cannot tolerate all this. Humne jo letter likha hai wo puri film industry ko bheja hai and our plan is to write a letter to the government too that Turkish artistes jo yaha kaam karte hai unko turant bhagaya jaaye yaha se. If someone (from within the industry) supports them, we will boycott them and issue a non cooperation notice.' Meanwhile, filmmakers too weighed in on the call for a ban. Director Anil Sharma, known for his blockbuster film Gadar, says that no amount of creative satisfaction is bigger than love for the country. "Yeh appeal nahi bhi ho toh bhi filmmakers ki responsibility hai to stand for India. Jo bharat ke saath hai, hum uske saath hai. Main ek script likh raha tha (son) Utkarsh ke saath and usme Turkey was a location but after this incident we decided we won't go. It is a very beautiful country and as a filmmaker it is worth shooting there but no creative satisfaction is bigger than India's interest and the love for our country.' Producer Tanuj Garg adds, 'As Indian filmmakers, we are mindful not just of the creative and logistical aspects of shooting abroad, but also the larger sentiment at home. While countries like Turkey and Azerbaijan have much to offer, we believe that it's important to align our choices with the mood and sensitivities of our audience and nation. Until there's a more positive shift in sentiment and bilateral warmth, we will be cautious about pursuing shoots in these regions.' The Kashmir Files director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri too agrees with this decision as he says, 'I think it is a just decision and this is how everybody should behave in war. In modern times, war is not when the armies are marching inside each other's borders. War is also at various levels like info war, cyber war, narrative war. So, in that case obviously if we are calling Pakistan an enemy country, so anybody who is supporting them in traditional terms of combat, they are termed as enemy countries.' Vivek adds, 'I don't see why we should shoot in countries which are not even relevant. We are not going to lose anything. I think its the right decision. This (boycott) should be done by lots of voluntary organisations, travel agencies, and the people of India. Stand up for India, stand united. Wars are not won at only borders today, wars are won at the narrative playing field." Filmmaker Onir says he has a 'mixed point of view' and wonders why is there's a call for boycotting just Turkey and Azerbaijaan and not China? 'I have mixed response because in any conflict there will be different sides. China has also been supplying arms. How come we are not banning everything with China? If you see Pakistani weaponry, doesn't the ban have to be uniform because it's from China and the US.' He adds, 'At the same time I was extremely hurt as an Indian citizen that at the time of the war, Turkey was supplying arms to Pakistan. In this war, without any camouflage, China has been supporting Pakistan. So why only Turkey and Azerbaijaan are being banned? As a filmmaker or tourist I would not be comfortable going to a country that supports Pakistan directly during the time of conflict.'
India.com
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India.com
AICWA Announces Total Ban On Turkey For Film Shoots Over Pro-Pakistan Stance And Security Concerns
Mumbai: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing the Indian film industry's workers, technicians, artists, and professionals, has officially announced a complete boycott of Turkey for all film shoots and cultural collaborations. This decision comes in response to Turkey's continued support for Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflict, which has led to serious concerns about national security and the safety of Indian citizens. In a recent tragic incident in Pahalgam, Pakistani terrorists attacked innocent Indian citizens, causing significant loss of life and suffering. During the India-Pakistan conflict, Turkey openly supported Pakistan, providing military and diplomatic support against India's interests. Such actions have deeply hurt the sentiments of the Indian film industry and the general public, as per the press release shred on official X handle of AICWA. Now, AICWA has decided a "Complete Ban on Shooting in Turkey" "No Bollywood or Indian film projects will be shot in Turkey, effective immediately and no Indian producers, production houses, directors, or financiers will be allowed to take any film, television, or digital content projects to Turkey," as per the press release. PRESS RELEASE All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) Announces Complete Boycott of Turkey for Film Shoots and Cultural Collaborations Mumbai, India – May 14, 2025: The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA), representing the Indian film industry's workers,… — All Indian Cine Workers Association (@AICWAOfficial) May 14, 2025 Apart from it, there is also prohibition on "collaborations with Turkish Artists and Producers, Turkish actors, filmmakers, production houses, and other creative professionals will no longer be permitted to work in the Indian entertainment industry" Moreover, as per the press release, "Any existing contracts or agreements with Turkish entities must be reviewed and, where possible, terminated." AICWA will "closely monitor the activities of Indian film professionals and organizations to ensure compliance with this directive and strict action will be taken against "any individual or entity found violating this decision," according to the press release. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has appealed to Indian film producers to reconsider choosing Turkey as a shooting destination, citing Turkey's growing support for Pakistan on matters affecting India's national interests. FWICE, the apex body representing 36 crafts of workers, technicians, and artists in the Indian media and entertainment industry, strongly urges all Indian film producers to reconsider choosing Turkey as a shooting destination in light of its growing support towards Pakistan on matters that deeply concern India's national interests, as per the press release shared by FWICE. On April 22, terrorists attacked tourists at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali citizen, while leaving several others injured in one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike, in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans were killed.
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Celina Jaitly Slams Fawad And Mahira Khan: "They Remain Silent About Pak Supported Terrorism"
New Delhi: Celina Jaitly is the latest celebrity to join the bandwagon of Bollywood stars slamming Pakistani artistes, followed by the Operation Sindoor in which India had launched a retaliatory attack on Pakistan and POK based terror hideouts. As the tensions between the two countries escalated, the All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) reiterated its demand of the ban on the Pakistani artistes after they condemned India's attack on their country. Reacting to the Pakistani artistes' responses, Celina Jaitly told News 18,"India must come first. Our national interest must always be our top priority. Pakistani artists are quick to benefit from our thriving entertainment industry but remain silent about the terrorism their government supports. They've the platforms to demand change and condemn violence, yet they choose silence. Until there is real accountability and sincere efforts to dismantle terror networks, we must stand firm and draw clear boundaries." In the aftermath of India-Pakistan's skirmishes along the LOC, the government of India ordered OTT giants to remove contents from their respective platforms, originated in Pakistan. "When those with the power to influence millions choose silence, that silence becomes deafening. Patriotism isn't about grandstanding; it's about standing tall for your country when it needs you most. History will always remember who stood up and who turned away. But as the daughter and granddaughter of decorated war veterans and the sister of a Special Forces officer, I can say this with conviction that patriotism runs through my very DNA," Celina Jaitly said reacting to the government's move. AICWA appealed to Indian filmmakers, producers, and artists across Bollywood and regional industries to" prioritise national interest over artistic collaborations."
