The debate around working hours in the Indian film industry has recently intensified, particularly after Deepika Padukone's advocacy for an 8-hour shift. Amidst this discussion, Shefali Shah, known for her compelling performance in Netflix's "Delhi Crime," shared her experiences regarding work schedules and the challenges she faced in asserting her boundaries.
Padukone's stance on the matter gained traction after reports of her exit from projects like the sequel to "Kalki 2898 AD" and Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit," due to disagreements over her demand for shorter working hours. The actress emphasized the importance of work-life balance and criticized the normalization of overworking, stating that "We've normalised overworking. We mistake burnout for commitment. Eight hours of work a day is enough for the human body and mind". She also highlighted the double standards in the industry, where male actors often work shorter shifts without facing scrutiny.
In light of Padukone's statements, Aditya Dhar, the director of the upcoming film "Dhurandhar" starring Ranveer Singh, revealed that his team worked grueling 16-18 hour days for a year and a half. He further added that nobody complained about the demanding schedule, which sparked further debate about industry work culture.
Shefali Shah has also weighed in on this issue, revealing that it was only after the success of "Delhi Crime" that she felt empowered to ask for fixed working hours. Shah shared an anecdote about her husband, producer Vipul Shah, instructing her assistant to ensure she leaves the set after the agreed-upon time, emphasizing that she "can't shoot for 24 hours". Despite this support, she admitted to still feeling a sense of guilt for setting these boundaries. Shefali was previously married to television actor Harsh Chhaya, before marrying Vipul Shah in December 2000. She and Vipul have two sons, Marya and Aryaman.
Shah has also spoken about the basic amenities she requests on set, such as a hotel suite and clean restrooms, which she considers necessities for her work. She explained that a suite is required to set up her hair and makeup and hold creative meetings, but she felt she was called out for making demands.
The conversation around working conditions has surfaced alongside the premiere of the third season of "Delhi Crime" on Netflix. This season is based on the 2012 Baby Falak case, a distressing true story of abuse and human trafficking in Delhi. Shah returns as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, a role that has earned her widespread acclaim. The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of real-life cases and its exploration of societal issues.
The debate regarding fair working hours and acceptable working conditions continues within the entertainment industry, with more and more actors speaking out about their experiences and advocating for change.
