Is Arjun Bijlani Right About Long Working Hours in Television?
Synopsis
Arjun Bijlani opens up about the exhausting working hours in the television sector, deeming it "extremely challenging". His insights shed light on the struggles faced by actors, especially actresses, due to demanding schedules and long shifts. Discover how the industry has evolved and why quality often comes at a price.
Key Takeaways
Long working hours are a significant concern in television.
Female actors often have additional time requirements for makeup.
Maintaining quality work typically necessitates longer shifts.
Industry practices have evolved, but challenges remain.
Arjun Bijlani emphasizes the need for a balance between quality and actor well-being.
Mumbai, Feb 5 (NationPress) Arjun Bijlani, a well-known figure in the television industry, expressed his thoughts on the lengthy working hours in the T.V sector, declaring it as "extremely challenging".
In a candid interview with IANS, he revealed that a scheduled 12-hour shift often extends considerably when factoring in travel time and additional hours.
Arjun mentioned to IANS, "The working hours in the television industry feel prolonged. It is extremely challenging. Having been part of this industry for years, I understand the difficulty faced by television actors, particularly actresses. For a 9 am shift, one must rise at 7 am and leave by 8 am. Often, female performers are requested to arrive earlier due to the longer makeup process. Shoots can run until 9 pm or even later, followed by the time it takes to remove makeup and costumes. Navigating through traffic to return home is also a significant time drain."
"The following day, the same grueling schedule is expected," he added.
He recalled instances where he worked for 35 days within a span of just 30 days due to the extensive hours.
"It was very, very taxing mentally and physically, but I believe it was harder in the past. Nowadays, producers are more conscious of the 12-hour limit. Previously, shoots could stretch to 14, 15, or even 18 hours."
When questioned if an 8-hour shift should be implemented in television, he responded that it's not feasible technically.
"With a 7-day-a-week broadcast, completing work in 8 hours would be impossible without sacrificing quality. To maintain high standards, a commitment of 12 hours is essential," Arjun elaborated.
Point of View
Arjun Bijlani's remarks highlight a significant issue within the television industry concerning work-life balance and actor welfare. As the demands of production increase, it's crucial to address these challenges to ensure the well-being of artists who are the backbone of this entertainment sector.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Arjun Bijlani say about working hours in TV?
Arjun Bijlani described the working hours in television as 'extremely difficult', highlighting the lengthy shifts and the impact on actors' lives.
Why are working hours long in the television industry?
The nature of television production demands long hours to maintain quality, especially with a 7-day-a-week broadcast schedule.
Is an 8-hour shift possible in television?
According to Arjun, an 8-hour shift is not feasible in television without compromising the quality of the work.
How has the working environment changed over the years?
Arjun noted that while the hours have been challenging, producers today are more conscious of the 12-hour work limit compared to the past.
What challenges do actors face with long working hours?
Actors often face mental and physical exhaustion due to the demanding schedules that require them to work long hours frequently.
