Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has once again voiced her concerns about unorganised work hours and the culture of overworking in the film industry. Speaking with Harper’s Bazaar, she highlighted the dangers of burnout and stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
“We’ve normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind. Only when you’re healthy can you give your best. Bringing a burnt-out person back into the system helps no one,” said Deepika.
Deepika added that her own office follows a strict eight-hour, five-day work week, alongside comprehensive maternity and paternity policies. “We should normalise bringing children to work,” she remarked, emphasising a progressive approach to workplace wellbeing.
How Burnout Happens
Burnout occurs when individuals continuously overextend themselves, prioritising work above health and personal life. According to the Harvard Business Review, signs of burnout include:
- Persistent exhaustion
- Irritability
- Feeling unappreciated or unaccomplished
Often, burnout results from tight deadlines, unrealistic expectations, unclear responsibilities, toxic workplace culture, and lack of recognition.
Addressing Burnout
To combat burnout, experts recommend improving time management skills, such as:
- Planning workloads efficiently
- Prioritising tasks
- Delegating responsibilities
- Saying no when necessary
- Letting go of perfectionism
For those prone to people-pleasing tendencies, reducing workload proactively can significantly relieve stress and create space for rest and recovery.
Why Burnout is Dangerous for Health
Burnout is not just a mental health issue—it has severe physical consequences. Prolonged stress at work can lead to:
- Chronic fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep disorders
- Heart problems
- Weakened immunity
Studies indicate that overworking is a global health risk. According to the World Health Organization, working 55+ hours per week increases the risk of stroke by 35% and ischemic heart disease by 17%, compared to a standard 35–40-hour workweek.
In some Asian countries, death due to overwork is so prevalent that it has specific terms: karoshi (Japan), gwarosa (South Korea), and guolaosi (China).
Why Bollywood Needs to Rethink Work Culture
The normalization of overworking in Bollywood is contributing to burnout among actors, crew members, and industry professionals. Deepika Padukone’s advocacy highlights the need for structured working hours, employee well-being policies, and a culture that values rest as much as productivity.
“Only when you’re healthy can you perform at your best,” she said, urging the industry to recognise the human limits behind the glamour of cinema.
