The ongoing debate over working hours in the Indian entertainment industry has found a powerful new voice. Veteran actor Kanwarjit Paintal, a beloved figure from the era of Bawarchi and Mahabharat, has come out in strong support of Deepika Padukone’s recent advocacy for an 8-hour workday.
In a recent interview, Paintal weighed in on the controversy that followed reports of Deepika demanding fixed shifts for her upcoming projects. While some critics labeled the demand as “unrealistic” for the film industry, Paintal argued that such a structure was once the standard and is essential for maintaining creative quality.
Recalling his early days in the 1970s and 80s, Paintal shared that 8-hour shifts were the norm rather than the exception. He explained that filmmaking is a mentally and emotionally demanding craft that cannot be sustained under the grueling 14-to-16-hour schedules often seen today.
“Filmmaking is a creative job. A creative mind doesn’t just get physically tired; it gets mentally and emotionally exhausted,” Paintal stated. “In our time, we stuck to 8 hours. We only extended if it was absolutely necessary—like if a set was being torn down or an actor wasn’t available the next day.”
Paintal didn’t hold back when discussing the current state of the industry, particularly in television. He highlighted how contracts are often “locked” based on shifts that stretching up to 14 hours, leaving actors with little time for sleep or recovery.
“I recently did a shoot where I’d leave home at 7:00 AM and wouldn’t get back until nearly midnight,” he shared. “By the time you sleep and wake up, you’re back on set. How can anyone expect a quality performance under those conditions?”
The veteran actor noted that while superstars like Akshay Kumar have the leverage to demand shorter hours, many character actors and crew members accept “exploitation” out of fear of losing work in a competitive market.
Deepika Padukone sparked this industry-wide conversation late last year, arguing that the industry has “normalized exhaustion” and confused burnout with commitment. She pointed out that many male superstars have enjoyed 8-hour shifts for years without scrutiny, calling for a more humane environment, especially for working mothers and the crew.
Paintal’s support adds significant weight to the movement, suggesting that the “old school” way of working might actually be the key to a healthier future for Bollywood. To know such latest updates tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
