How are the relentless working conditions affecting the entertainment industry?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Filmmaker Hansal Mehta raises crucial issues about the harsh working hours in the entertainment sector, emphasizing their detrimental effects on workers' health. He calls for a change in perspective to prioritize well-being over relentless work, arguing that this could lead to improved quality and efficiency in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Long working hours significantly affect the health of industry professionals.
- Daily wage workers bear the brunt of these demanding conditions.
- Normalization of exhaustion is detrimental to mental health.
- There is a need for systemic change in how the industry operates.
- Prioritizing well-being could enhance productivity and quality.
Mumbai, Oct 10 (NationPress) Filmmaker Hansal Mehta has taken the initiative to highlight the grueling working conditions prevalent in the film industry, which severely impact the physical and mental health of all those engaged. In a social media post, the creator of 'Scoop' expressed his concerns, stating, "In our profession, a 12-hour day is often referred to as a 'shift.' The reality is that amidst the chaos of filming, long commutes, rushed meals, and scant hours of fragmented sleep, we are left with very little. Where do our mental health and physical well-being fit into this equation? Weekends hardly exist. Taking breaks is frowned upon. Somewhere along the way, exhaustion has been normalized while rest is considered a luxury (sic)."
Mehta also emphasized that the daily wage workers are the most adversely affected by these demanding conditions.
"Sometimes I question: can this truly be called an industry if it operates on the relentless exhaustion of its workforce? The most impacted are those with the least power - the daily wage earners. They are consistently the first to arrive and the last to leave, enduring conditions that would be deemed inhumane in any other industry."
The director of 'Aligarh' further noted that the situation is even more dire in the television sector.
He remarked, "In television, the circumstances are worse, and even OTT platforms and films have started to follow the same trends. We often cheer the arrival of global corporations, believing they will introduce better systems. However, they typically just adapt to the flawed systems we already have because it is more profitable."
Highlighting the significance of well-being, Mehta asserted, "I genuinely believe that if we prioritized well-being—our own and especially that of those who uphold the foundation of this industry—we would not only work more effectively but also live more fulfilling lives. Ironically, quality, efficiency, and even profit would follow. However, first, we must stop dismissing the simple notion of rest. Without it, what are we truly constructing?"
Point of View
It is vital to acknowledge the pressing concerns raised by Hansal Mehta regarding the entertainment industry's working conditions. His insights shine a light on the need for reform in labor practices to safeguard the well-being of all workers, particularly the most vulnerable. It is crucial that we foster an environment that values mental health and work-life balance, ensuring the sustainability of the industry.
NationPress
13/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the effects of long working hours in the film industry?
Long working hours in the film industry can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, including burnout, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. These conditions affect not only the workers' personal lives but also their productivity and creativity.
Who is most affected by these working conditions?
Daily wage earners are the most impacted by the harsh working conditions, as they often work the longest hours under the most demanding circumstances without adequate support.
What changes does Hansal Mehta advocate for?
Hansal Mehta advocates for a shift in perspective where well-being is prioritized over relentless work. He believes that valuing rest and mental health can lead to improved quality, efficiency, and profitability in the industry.
