Veteran actress Kishori Shahane has spoken candidly about the punishing work hours that define India's daily television industry, describing overnight shoots and back-to-back shifts as an unavoidable reality for actors committed to the medium. In a recent conversation, the 'Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki' star said the shift from weekly to daily programming has fundamentally reshaped what the job demands.

The reality of daily television

Shahane traced the industry's evolution from once-a-week telecasts to five-day-a-week broadcasts and, now, daily soaps. “Television has always demanded hard work. Earlier, shows were telecast once a week, then five days a week, and now many are broadcast daily. Naturally, the workload increases. If you want to be part of this industry, you have to accept that commitment,” she said.

She added that production timelines often leave little room for flexibility. “Television actors work extremely hard to deliver content consistently. There are regular long shifts, and if there are production delays or scheduling issues, overnight shoots become necessary. It is definitely a demanding profession,” the actress said.

How storytelling has changed

Shahane also reflected on how performance styles have evolved alongside changing audience habits. Where earlier scripts leaned on longer, emotionally heavier scenes, today's writing favours speed and brevity, she noted.

“As an actor, I have noticed a significant change in storytelling. Earlier, scenes were much longer and often emotionally intense. Today, because of digital media and changing viewing habits, scenes have become shorter, crisper, and faster-paced. Earlier, you might perform only a few lengthy scenes in a day, whereas now you may perform several shorter scenes. This creates a different rhythm and flavor in performance. It is enjoyable for actors and also keeps the audience engaged,” she explained.

A career across hit shows

Shahane is known for her roles in popular television shows including 'Kohi Apna Sa', 'Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki', and 'Ishq Mein Marjawan'. In 2019, she participated in 'Bigg Boss Marathi 2', finishing in fifth place. Her more recent appearances include 'Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin' and 'Kaise Mujhe Tum Mil Gaye'.

The bigger conversation

Her remarks land at a time when work-hour conversations have grown louder across Indian entertainment, with several actors and crew members flagging the toll of extended schedules on health and family life. Shahane's account, framed less as complaint than acceptance, adds a veteran's perspective to that debate — one that may shape how the next generation negotiates its terms on set.