At the third edition of the Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025, the panel titled “The Big Fight For Small-Screen” brought forth some hard-hitting conversations around the working conditions in the television industry. Featuring Madhurima Tuli, Akanksha Puri, and Mannara Chopra, the discussion gave the audience a deeper look into the unseen toll of long hours, unrealistic expectations, and the often-neglected need for mental well-being among actors.
Reflecting on her early days in the industry, Madhurima Tuli recalled a gruelling shooting schedule from her time on the TV show Kasturi. “I had to shoot for 34 hours continuously. There was no time limit back then,” she said. “You don’t even realize it at the moment. You’re brushing your teeth in the vanity, working under lights and artificial rain, just moving from scene to scene. Years later, when you look back, it hits you — 34 hours non-stop is extremely taxing for the body.”
Akanksha Puri added another layer to the issue, emphasizing how lack of rest impacts not just performance, but public perception too. “People often comment on our appearance— ‘the face is bloated, something’s changed’—without understanding the context. Sometimes, we haven’t slept in two days. We have to be camera-ready, and that requires rest. Saving production costs shouldn’t come at the expense of an actor’s health.”
Mannara Chopra, who joined the discussion with a nuanced take, acknowledged the drive many actors feel at the beginning of their careers but stressed the importance of setting boundaries. Without naming anyone directly, she appeared to refer to the recent public disagreement between Deepika Padukone and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over the working hours of Spirit.
“I think that enthusiasm was great. I am full of zeal. I want to work, work, work. Not even an hour should go free,” Mannara said. She further added, “But I think recently also, there was an actor who literally mentioned that I am leaving the film because I want to have that 8-hour working schedule for this very film.”
The Style Icons Summit and Awards 2025 presented by Virgio, driven by TVS Raider, powered by Nesterra, along with premium lingerie partner Amante, jewellery partner Caratlane, smile partner toothsi, style partner Biba, watches partner Helios, kitchen partner Prestige, beauty partner Mars, skincare partner Fixderma, snacking partner Happilo, footwear partner Red Chief, radio partner Radio City, glam partner Looks Salon, and gifting partner FnP. The event is slated for June 5, 2025.
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