Veteran actor reveals he once used to sleep in room filled with insects: ‘They used to give us…’

The issue of work-life balance has recently gained momentum in the entertainment industry following Deepika Padukone’s call for structured eight-hour workdays for actors. Her demand has sparked widespread discussion, drawing reactions from performers, filmmakers, and producers alike. While some have supported the idea of regulated schedules, several seasoned industry figures have dismissed it as impractical. Veteran actor Rajendra Chawla is among those who believe such expectations do not align with the realities of show business.

Rajendra Chawla’s Stand on Industry Realities

In a recent conversation, Chawla expressed the view that fixed-hour shifts are more suited to corporate environments and not to creative fields like film and television. He emphasized that anyone stepping into the entertainment world must understand its demanding nature from the very beginning. According to him, extended working hours are an inherent part of the profession, largely because of the increasing volume and pace of content production.

Chawla pointed out that television, particularly daily soaps, requires a massive output on a regular basis. Actors are often expected to deliver over twenty minutes of finished content each day, which naturally stretches workdays far beyond standard office hours. He argued that constantly focusing on limited schedules would only disrupt the workflow and make it impossible to meet deadlines. In his view, once someone chooses to enter this competitive field, they must adapt to its rhythm. Those unwilling to do so, he suggested, might be better suited to conventional nine-to-five roles that offer predictability and routine. For him, enduring physical exhaustion is preferable to carrying the mental burden of dissatisfaction.

Comparing Past and Present Working Conditions

Chawla also highlighted how significantly conditions for actors have improved over the years. Reflecting on his early days, he explained that today’s performers enjoy comforts that were once unimaginable. Modern sets are equipped with air-conditioned makeup rooms, personal vanity vans, and dedicated support staff. In contrast, earlier generations often had to manage with minimal facilities.

He recalled how female actors previously changed costumes in open spaces or behind trees due to the lack of basic infrastructure. Even celebrated stars had to wait for their shots under harsh weather conditions, fully dressed in costume, without any shelter. Chawla noted that the current generation has the privilege of retreating to comfortable vans whenever they are not required on set.

Gratitude Over Complaints

To further illustrate his perspective, Chawla shared an incident from his television career. A supervising producer once remarked on how he rarely raised complaints. Chawla responded by explaining that his past experiences in theatre had shaped his outlook. During touring productions, actors often slept on simple rugs in cramped rooms crawling with insects. Compared to those hardships, having a vanity van, fresh fruit, and personalized bedding felt like a luxury. From his standpoint, such privileges left little room for grievances, reinforcing his belief that perspective and gratitude are essential in a demanding profession like showbiz.