Mumbai, February 5: The world of television appears glamorous and vibrant from the outside, but it is filled with immense pressure on the inside. Viewers enjoy watching their favorite stars on screen, often unaware of the hard work, fatigue, and mental stress that accompany their performances. Long hours of shooting, constant work pressure, and limited personal time are integral parts of a TV actor’s daily life.
In a candid discussion, renowned television actor Arjun Bijlani shed light on the challenges of working in the TV industry. He described the long working hours as particularly grueling. “On paper, a shift may seem like 12 hours, but in reality, an actor’s entire day is consumed by work. Time spent commuting to the set, makeup, and often overtime can extend these hours significantly,” he explained.
Arjun provided an example: “If a shoot starts at 9 AM, an actor must wake up by 7 AM. Leaving home by 8 AM is crucial to reach the set on time. Female actors are sometimes called in even earlier due to the additional time required for makeup and preparation, making their days even longer.”
He continued, “Shooting often goes on until 9 PM or later. After the shoot, actors need time to remove makeup and change clothes. Returning home through traffic presents another challenge. Many times, actors arrive home late at night, completely exhausted.”
Arjun emphasized, “The toughest part is having to repeat this routine the next day. Before the body has a chance to fully rest, it’s back to work. This continuous cycle leads to increasing mental and physical fatigue, impacting the actors’ health.”
Reflecting on his early days, Arjun recalled, “There was a time when I had to work far beyond the scheduled hours. It sometimes felt like working 35 days in a 30-day month. That period was incredibly exhausting for me, both mentally and physically. However, conditions have improved compared to the past. Previously, shoots could last 14, 15, or even 18 hours. Now, most producers strive to complete shoots within the allotted 12 hours.”
When asked if the TV industry should adopt an 8-hour shift, Arjun Bijlani replied, “Technically, it’s not feasible. When a show airs seven days a week, completing work in such a short time becomes challenging.”
He concluded, “If working hours are reduced to 8, the quality of the show may suffer. To deliver quality content to viewers, actors and the entire team must work for 12 hours. It’s crucial to strike a balance between work and health.”
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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