The debate gained momentum after leading actress Deepika Padukone reportedly exited a major project last year over a demand for shorter working hours following motherhood, thrusting the issue of work-life balance into the spotlight in India's film industry.Bollywood has long been known for punishing schedules, with shifts often stretching from 12 to 18 hours and, at times, continuing for more than a day during intensive shoots.But what was once accepted as the norm is now being questioned, with growing calls for humane working conditions and limits on daily hours.Supporters of reform say the current system disproportionately puts pressure on women, who often face being labelled pushy or difficult -- a stigma rarely attached to male stars.A number of actors, including Suniel Shetty, Kajol and Ram Kapoor, have backed the push for healthier boundaries, arguing that established stars should be able to set limits on working hours."Once you have achieved success in showbiz... then, yes, you are in a position to choose how many hours you want to work," Kapoor told AFP, reflecting a view that bargaining power in the industry remains tied to status.Others, however, warn that the fluid nature of filmmaking makes rigid eight-hour shifts "unreal" to enforce on mega-budget sets.Poor planning"This is not like a corporate job," said actor Ali Fazal, pointing to the varying demands of projects, particularly action-heavy or technically complex productions.Actress Chitrangda Singh echoed that argument, citing several variables such as weather disruptions and equipment failures that can derail tightly planned schedules.