The return of Smriti Irani to the small screen as the iconic Tulsi Virani in 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2' has ignited waves of nostalgia across Indian households. However, the actor-turned-politician's comeback has also shone a spotlight on a perennial issue plaguing the television industry: the unyielding pressure of demanding work schedules and marathon shooting hours. In a recent candid discussion, Irani shed light on the heavy sense of accountability that dictates her presence on set, placing the financial well-being of the entire crew ahead of personal convenience.

The Weight of Accountability: "120 People Don't Get Paid"

Smriti Irani’s statement—"If I don’t turn up, 120 people don’t get paid"—is a stark reminder of the financial ecosystem dependent on a lead actor’s commitment, particularly in the daily soap format. Unlike film projects with more flexible timelines, television requires delivering episodes almost daily, making any delay from the main cast a logistical and monetary disaster for the production house and the vast crew.

The actor-politician emphasised that while the need for work-life balance is a valid personal choice, a professional commitment cannot be simply ignored. Recalling her own experience of working through two pregnancies during the original Kyunki run, she highlighted her determination to ensure the production remained successful. Her perspective frames the grueling hours not just as a creative sacrifice, but as a professional obligation to the hundreds of families reliant on the show’s continuous production.

An Industry Stuck in Time? The Work Hours Debate

Irani’s comments come amidst a growing, industry-wide debate about actors demanding fixed, humane work shifts, such as the widely reported demand for an eight-hour workday by a leading Bollywood star. While Smriti Irani acknowledges that the TV industry’s production values and technical standards have vastly improved over the years, the fundamental challenge of the long, often 12-to-15-hour work shifts remains largely unchanged.

The TV industry is often criticized for prioritizing the immediate need to fill airtime over the physical and mental well-being of its workforce. Despite the emergence of streaming platforms and better production technology, the high-pressure system needed to churn out six episodes a week persists. The question now is whether the industry, encouraged by the high-profile return of a star like Irani, can finally find sustainable "new pathways," as she suggests, to enhance its market value without compromising the creative and human capital it relies on.

The Way Forward: Balancing Commerce and Compassion

Smriti Irani's return to the legendary character of Tulsi is a nostalgic treat for fans, but her grounded remarks about the grueling reality behind the scenes are a powerful call to action. While actors like her accept the professional accountability of their roles, the larger TV production ecosystem must evolve.

Finding a balance between the commercial necessity of daily broadcasting and compassionate working hours is crucial. Whether it’s through larger rotating crews, better scripting efficiencies, or a complete shift in production models, the industry must eventually address these demanding schedules. Until then, stars like Smriti Irani remain the pillars holding up a vast industry, bound by the solemn accountability of ensuring the crew gets their pay check.
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