Work-life balance in Bollywood is notoriously difficult and widely debated, often characterised by exhausting schedules, erratic night shoots, and blurred personal boundaries.
As a major shift is underway or even the conversation has started in the industry, actor Vedang Raina shared weighed on the work-life balance. Speaking exclusively to The Daily Jagran, Main Vaapas Aaunga actor acknowledges that work-life balance is very important.
Vedang Raina said, “As you said, work-life balance is very important. And actually, what’s very interesting about the work I do and what the actors do is that they act. And acting is work-life. And if you don’t have that balance, in fact, that balance is actually what’s helping you in what you do on set. Helping you with how you’re doing on set (sic).”
Vedang Raina added, “So, I think for actors more than anyone, work-life balance is so necessary. And it’s so important to have life experiences, to travel, to do things, to have adventures. And I think that’s what you can draw from, and that’s what you can show and deliver in an actor (sic).”
The intriguing thing about Vedang Raina’s argument is that it goes beyond the typical discussion about working hours. He is arguing that living itself is a part of the job for actors, not merely that work-life balance is crucial for mental health.
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That is why the discussion on reasonable working hours feels larger than a simple dispute about schedules. For a long time, Bollywood has normalised extremely long shoots and unpredictable workdays as a badge of dedication. But Vedang Raina’s comment highlights a different way of looking at the profession – an actor who has a life outside work is not less committed; in many ways, they may be better equipped to do their job.
Many see the latest controversy as a sign of a larger change in Bollywood, where both established actors and the newer generation are beginning to question long-standing industry conventions. The conversation is gradually moving away from the idea that endless hours equal professionalism and toward the understanding that rest, personal growth, and lived experiences are valuable assets for creative work.
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For those who are unaware, the conversation started after Deepika Padukone advocated for 8-hour workdays to balance her profession and family. Many see the latest controversy as a sign of a larger change in Bollywood, as both established actors and younger professionals are starting to question the traditional conventions.
And if more young actors are recognising that early in their careers, it is a positive sign for the future of the industry-one that values not just productivity, but also humanity, creativity, and sustainability.