TV Industry Struggles Come Under Spotlight
After Bollywood’s debate on work-life balance, the TV industry struggles have now taken center stage. Popular actors including Arjun Bijlani, Aamir Ali and Nakuul Mehta have opened up about the harsh realities of working in Indian television — from exhausting schedules to delayed payments and the stigma of being labelled “just a TV actor.”
Their candid revelations have sparked fresh conversations about working conditions in the entertainment industry, especially at a time when many actors are transitioning to OTT platforms and films.
Arjun Bijlani on Grueling 12-Hour Shifts
In a recent interaction with IANS, Arjun Bijlani described television shoots as “very tough and challenging.” According to him, a standard 12-hour shift rarely ends on time. Preparation, retakes, overtime and travel often stretch the day far beyond scheduled hours.
Reflecting on his early days, the actor revealed that he once worked “35 days in a 30-day month” due to continuous overtime. The physically and mentally draining routine left little room for rest.
Bijlani, known for shows like:
Left Right Left
Miley Jab Hum Tum
Naagin
He admitted that while conditions have improved slightly, an 8-hour shift model remains impractical for daily soaps. “To deliver quality content, you need those 12 hours,” he explained.
Nakuul Mehta on Typecasting in Television
Another major aspect of TV industry struggles is typecasting. Nakuul Mehta highlighted the prejudice TV actors face when moving to films or OTT platforms.
Currently seen in the web series Space Gen: Chandrayaan, Nakuul said actors often battle the “TV actor” tag, which limits opportunities beyond the small screen.
He rose to fame with:
Pyaar Ka Dard Hai Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara
Ishqbaaaz
Nakuul emphasized that many television stars have successfully transitioned to films and OTT, yet the bias continues. According to him, even the television fraternity sometimes lacks pride in its own talent.
Aamir Ali’s Emotional Confession
For Aamir Ali, the struggle was deeply personal. Best known for his role in F.I.R., Aamir admitted that shifting from films to television initially felt like a setback.
After leaving his job to pursue films, projects failed to release and payments were delayed. Financial pressure forced him back to television.
“I used to cry in my vanity van every day,” he revealed in a recent interview. He felt embarrassed when film colleagues questioned his move to TV. His story underlines the financial instability actors often face and the unpredictable nature of showbiz careers.
Why This Debate Matters Now
The conversation around TV industry struggles is especially relevant today as:
OTT platforms are redefining content consumption.
Actors are demanding better work-life balance.
Audiences are becoming more aware of behind-the-scenes realities.
Industry observers suggest that structured working hours, timely payments, and equal respect across mediums are essential reforms.
The Road Ahead for Indian Television
The experiences shared by Arjun Bijlani, Nakuul Mehta and Aamir Ali shed light on systemic issues within Indian television. While the glamour of the small screen continues to attract millions, the challenges behind the camera remain significant.
As the entertainment industry evolves, these conversations could pave the way for healthier working conditions, greater financial security, and equal recognition for television actors.
The spotlight is no longer just on-screen — it’s now firmly on the system itself.
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