Deepika Padukone’s advocacy for 8-hour shifts has spotlighted labor concerns in Hindi cinema, but Deepak Parashar insists real reform demands more. The seasoned actor, in a candid chat, exposed the divide between elites and battlers, advocating for high-level governmental fixes to heal deep-seated fractures.
While praising Deepika’s stance, Parashar clarified its narrow reach. ‘A-listers set their schedules effortlessly, fueled by commercial clout,’ he explained. ‘Struggling artists in minor roles face endless instability untouched by such perks.’ The industry’s star-centric model perpetuates inequality, he charged.
Would top names march for the marginalized? Parashar doubts it, citing their preference for insulated lives. Grassroots momentum builds, however, with veterans like Poonam Dhillon, Padmini Kolhapure, and Upasana Singh—each with 40-50 years of service—rallying to amplify unheard voices.
Parashar’s four-decade tenure fuels his resolve against repeating past agonies. Pandemic relief from Hrithik Roshan, Sonu Sood, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Akshay Kumar offered vital lifelines, yet lacked permanence. Now, with TV and digital booming, a single powerful association is crucial but absent, hampering unified advocacy.
‘Only systemic and political interventions can bridge this gap,’ he urged. Naming PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Arun Govil as beacons of hope, Parashar calls for structured protections. His vision promises a thriving industry where talent, not just fame, guarantees dignity and security.