Shefali Shah speaks on the 8-hour shift debate in Bollywood, calls out male actors for late arrivals
- byPranay Jain
- 07 Nov, 2025
Actress Shefali Shah, currently preparing for the release of Delhi Crimes 3, spoke candidly about the ongoing discussion on implementing 8-hour work shifts in Bollywood. She emphasized the importance of this conversation, noting that while actors understand occasional extended hours due to logistical issues, it should not become a standard practice.
Shefali highlighted the demanding nature of her schedule, explaining her long commute to and from set, the intense focus required during shoots, and the limited time available for rest and personal care, including gym workouts. She questioned the feasibility of maintaining high performance with such grueling hours and inadequate sleep.
Beyond actors, Shefali pointed out that the film crew also suffers from long hours without extra pay. Reflecting on a recent 10-hour shoot, she shared her concern about assistant directors expressing relief at the end of her scenes because overtime work wasn't compensated.
Shefali also criticized certain male actors who frequently arrive late on set, noting that their delays often go unnoticed and unaccounted for in the total work hours, contrasting with the strict contracts female actors often follow.
The call for regulated work hours gained prominence after Deepika Padukone reportedly pushed for an 8-hour workday, higher salary, and profit-sharing in the film Spirit. Deepika’s stance, influenced by her efforts to balance motherhood and career, reportedly led to her replacement by director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.






