Shefali Shah Highlights Need for Structured Work Hours in Film Industry
MUMBAI: As the debate over structured work hours continues in the Indian film industry, Shefali Shah has spoken in support of creating a work environment that benefits both actors and crew. The discussion reignited after Deepika Padukone exited projects like Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel due to the lack of regulated work schedules.
Promoting her upcoming web series Delhi Crime 3, Shah told PTI:
“After working in the film industry for three decades, I can now say, ‘I need to go home.’ We are very reasonable actors; we understand the work, but it cannot be a norm to have no set working hours.”
Shah described an actor’s routine as a relentless cycle of early mornings, long commutes, extended hours on set, and returning home exhausted. She emphasized that structured schedules are fair, noting that even if she loves being on set, fatigue inevitably sets in:
“You can’t just say, ‘I’m tired, today can I do 50%?’ The work goes on, but structured hours are important for everyone involved.”
Benefits for Crew Highlighted
Shah also pointed out how proper work hours positively affect the crew.
“On a recent project, I left on time, and the crew and ADs said, ‘Thank God, she leaves so that we get to leave; otherwise, we are here forever,’” she said.
Her co-star Sayani Gupta echoed this sentiment, mentioning that actors should advocate for crew welfare. She noted that in Kolkata, shoots follow eight-hour shifts, which could serve as a model for other productions. Meanwhile, Huma Qureshi added that she doesn’t mind working longer hours if it prevents financial losses for the production.
Upcoming Projects
Shefali Shah plays DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in Delhi Crime Season 3, set to release on Netflix on November 13. She previously appeared in the 2023 film Three of Us and the 2022 web series Human on JioHotstar.
