Kamal Ghorui
Amid the ongoing debate around actors demanding fixed 8–9 hour shifts, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha weighed in during a recent chat, offering a measured and practical take on the controversy. When asked whether he would be okay signing an actor who insists on working only 8 or 9 hours a day, Sinha said the answer is simple.“Actors are different people. Good actors are different personalities — and that’s fine. Acting is perhaps the toughest art form in the history of art. Every other art form deals with some kind of hardware. Even in singing, you use your voice physically. Acting is the only art form that doesn’t rely on a physical instrument in that sense. So actors are wired differently,” he told Shubhankar Mishra.He added bluntly, “If an actor wants to work six hours a day and you’re not okay with it, then don’t work with that actor. It’s as simple as that.”
On Rishi Kapoor ’s ‘no night shoots’ condition during Mulk
Recalling his experience with the late Rishi Kapoor while shooting Mulk, Sinha revealed how conditions on set are often a matter of negotiation rather than confrontation.“Yes, Chintu ji told me after reading the script of Mulk that he didn’t want to do night shoots. I told him, ‘But Chintu ji, night scenes are important.’ So we negotiated. He said he would do four night shoots. I agreed.”But filmmaking rarely sticks to plan.“Later during the shoot, I told him, ‘Sir, it’s become five nights.’ He said, ‘What happened?’ But we managed.”Sinha made it clear there was no bitterness. “I badly wanted Rishi Kapoor in that film, and I had no problem adjusting. I had a wonderful experience working with him. He also had a good time.”He fondly recalled meeting Kapoor after his treatment in New York at Amitabh Bachchan’s Diwali party. “He even suggested we shoot one more scene for Thappad with Taapsee, saying he would quietly walk in from behind. That was my last meeting with him. I found a friend in him — just because he didn’t want to shoot nights doesn’t make him difficult.”Then, with characteristic candour, he added, “And by the way, I don’t like shooting nights either. Am I not allowed that?”
On Deepika Padukone debate: ‘Why create a controversy?’
Sinha also addressed the larger conversation around actors’ working hours, especially in the wake of discussions surrounding Deepika Padukone opting out of projects.“I don’t believe in gossip. I’ve never really worked with Deepika, barely met her once at a party years ago. But I asked people who have worked with her, and they said she’s a delightful actress to work with,” he said.
He questioned the need to turn professional disagreements into public spats. “If any actor’s demands are unreasonable, don’t work with them. Why create a controversy? Every household has disagreements, but you don’t go to the terrace and shout about it.”Calling the debate overblown, he continued, “I think it’s unfair the way this has been blown up. If you don’t like an actor, fire them. Actors and directors have been fired before — it happens. It should remain between the concerned people.”He also underlined the practical realities of the profession. “People can have working conditions. An actor stands in front of the camera. They have to look good on a 50–60 foot screen. If there are eye bags, they look huge. So yes, working hours matter. These issues can easily be resolved privately.”
‘No need to turn everything into a public spectacle’
When asked about controversies escalating on social media, Sinha remained firm.“That’s unnecessary. If you don’t want to work with someone, don’t. Why make statements? These topics can be avoided. There’s no need to turn everything into a public spectacle.”
