Archive · 7 Nov 2025
Shefali Shah Supports 8-Hour Work Shift Debate in Bollywood
Imagine people working on making movies.
Actress Shefali Shah thinks it's important to talk about working only 8 hours a day, like many regular jobs.
She said that working too long is hard not just for the actors but also for the people who help make the movie.
She mentioned that sometimes male actors are late to work, but this isn't talked about as much as when actresses ask for shorter work days.
Shefali explained that long travel times and hard work leave little time for actors to rest.
The discussion about shorter workdays started when a famous actress, Deepika Padukone, reportedly left some movies because she wanted to work fewer hours after becoming a mom.
Other actors have also spoken in support of this idea, saying it's about finding what works for everyone on the movie set.
Shefali Shah believes the discussion around 8-hour work shifts in Bollywood is necessary.
She highlighted that long work hours negatively impact both actors and the film crew.
Shah noted that the issue of male actors arriving late to shoots is often not considered.
She shared her personal experience of long travel times and demanding schedules affecting her ability to perform at her best.
The debate is linked to Deepika Padukone's reported requests for reduced working hours after motherhood.
- Who
- Shefali Shah
- What
- She discussed the need for an eight-hour work shift debate in Bollywood, highlighting the impact of long hours on actors and crew and noting that male actors' tardiness is often overlooked.
- When
- November 7, 2025
- Where
- In an interview with Mid-Day
- Why
- To advocate for better work-life balance and fair treatment of both actors and crew in the film industry.
Shefali Shah's View
Industry Norms/Challenges
Work Hours and Fairness
Shefali Shah's View
Shefali Shah argues that long work hours are detrimental not only to actors but also to the crew, who often don't get paid for overtime. She points out that male actors' late arrivals are not factored into discussions about shift lengths.
Industry Norms/Challenges
While acknowledging that long shifts are the norm, Shah believes it's unfair to the crew. The article also notes that accommodating specific shift demands can be complex due to factors like location availability and other logistical issues.
Actor's Well-being
Shefali Shah's View
Shah questions how actors can deliver their 'A-game' when they have significant travel times to sets, long work hours, and then need to prepare for the next day, leaving little time for rest.
Industry Norms/Challenges
The article implies that while actors may desire shorter shifts, the demands of filmmaking, including actor tardiness and logistical challenges, contribute to extended working hours.
- Actress Discussing Work Hours
- Shefali Shah
- Specific Demand
- 8-hour work shifts
- Reason for Debate
- Long working hours affecting actors and crew well-being
- Related Controversy
- Deepika Padukone's reported exit from films over shift demands
- Shah's Observation on Male Actors
- They often arrive late to shoots
- Upcoming Project
- Delhi Crimes 3
