The glamour of Indian television masks a high-stakes grind few outsiders grasp. Arjun Bijlani, a household name from hit serials, recently dissected the marathon work hours plaguing the sector. Dismissing 8-hour shifts as impractical, he exposed how daily broadcasts demand superhuman endurance from cast and crew.
A standard day begins brutally early. Actors must leave home by 8 AM for 9 AM shoots, factoring in commutes and prep. ‘Makeup alone steals hours, especially for actresses,’ Arjun noted. Evenings bleed into nights, with packs-ups post-9 PM followed by de-glam sessions and treacherous drives home.
This nonstop rhythm leaves no room for recharge. ‘One day blends into the next; fatigue accumulates, hitting health hard,’ he explained. Past experiences were worse—shifts hitting 18 hours routinely. Today, a 12-hour norm is progress, but still taxing.
Proposing shorter days risks content dilution. ‘Weekly episodes require this intensity to maintain standards,’ Arjun argued. Fans expect polished stories, which hinge on dedicated long hauls. Yet, he advocates equilibrium: prioritizing wellness alongside output.
Arjun’s insights spotlight systemic issues in TV production. As streaming rivals rise, traditional TV faces scrutiny. Will producers heed these warnings for sustainable practices? The star’s plea resonates, urging change to protect the talent fueling prime-time success.