Chitrangda Singh Urges Industry to Look Beyond Actors in Shift-Timing Debate

Mumbai - Actress Chitrangda Singh has weighed in on the ongoing discussion around regulated shift timings on film sets, emphasising that while actors are generally well taken care of, the focus must urgently expand to include crew members who form the backbone of the film industry.

Speaking to IANS about the importance of regulated work hours for mental and physical well-being, Chitrangda said such changes are necessary but noted that actors already enjoy relatively better working conditions.

“I think it definitely is important. Actors are still very well taken care of. There is a lot of regard for their time and comfort. Usually, producers and directors try, as much as they can, to work around their schedules,” she said.

Drawing from her own experience, the actress pointed out that technicians and support staff often work significantly longer hours than those seen on screen. She highlighted the demanding schedules of lighting crews, art department staff, and set workers.

“For a nine o’clock shift, if I come at seven for hair and makeup, they are there from 5 or 5.30 in the morning. They are the first ones to arrive and the last ones to leave,” she explained.

Chitrangda added that long commuting distances and limited transport facilities further worsen their fatigue. “It’s very, very tough. Most of the time, they are sleeping on sets. That kind of regularisation is something actors should be pushing for,” she said.

According to the actress, the conversation around shift timings should be inclusive and centred on the well-being of everyone in the industry, not just actors. “That is a far more important conversation. It should be about every person in the industry,” she stressed.

Responding to concerns that structured working hours could hamper creativity, Chitrangda firmly disagreed, stating that better schedules would actually enhance productivity. “Better working hours will definitely help everybody. There is no doubt that it will improve efficiency,” she said.

At the same time, she acknowledged the practical challenges faced by filmmakers, particularly those working with limited budgets. “Sometimes there are small-budget or mid-budget films, and they also have to consider the business side. It’s not a corporate job, and that needs to be understood,” she noted.

She further pointed out that filmmaking often requires flexibility, especially during creative processes like writing and editing, which frequently extend late into the night.

“We cannot apply the same corporate rules to the film industry. There has to be a mature and balanced approach,” Chitrangda concluded.

—With inputs from IANS