Mumbai’s television industry glitters on screen but hides a brutal reality behind the cameras. Actors like Arjun Bijlani endure endless shifts that stretch far beyond official schedules, robbing them of personal time and health. In an exclusive revelation, the popular TV star opened up about the relentless demands that make 8-hour workdays an impossible dream.
Arjun painted a vivid picture of a typical shoot day. ‘Paperwork might say 12 hours, but reality hits harder,’ he shared. Travel to sets, makeup sessions, and unexpected overtime push the clock well past midnight. For a 9 AM call time, actors rise at dawn, battling Mumbai traffic just to arrive on schedule. Women face even longer prep times, extending their exhaustion.
Shoots rarely wrap before 9 PM, often dragging into the wee hours. Post-pack-up rituals like removing makeup and changing amid traffic jams mean homesick returns at odd hours. ‘Your body screams for rest, but tomorrow’s routine restarts before recovery,’ Arjun lamented, highlighting the cycle of physical and mental burnout.
Reflecting on his career, he recalled darker days of 14-18 hour marathons that felt like 35-day months. Conditions have marginally improved with producers aiming for 12-hour caps, but the pressure persists. When pressed on enforcing 8-hour shifts, Arjun was blunt: ‘Technically unfeasible for daily shows. Quality would suffer, and viewers deserve the best.’
The industry must strike a balance between creativity and well-being. Arjun’s candid voice underscores a call for reform without compromising the magic that captivates millions nightly. As TV evolves, so must its work culture to sustain its stars.