I Have To Steal Time To Be With Family' -Hiten

TV actor Hiten Tejwani, who works 12 hours a day, six days a week, explains how he achieves a good work-life balance

Juggling a hectic career and family life is tough for anyone. But for TV actors, stressful working conditions, the need to stay fit, and balancing shooting schedules while making time for personal relationships, is perhaps tougher.

Hiten Tejwani, currently seen on Zee's Pavitra Rishta, has been a familiar face on television since his days on Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as Karan Virani.

"You have to steal time to be with family. You will always be busy, so just prioritise," says Hiten, adding that when he's at home, he's present 100 per cent: "I plan outings with my wife Gauri, whether it's a quiet dinner or a brief vacation."

The actor also enjoys playing with his two-and-halfyear-old twins on his day off. "I take them out to a playground or we go swimming, which is fun. My kids are very active and want to know about everything. I like to be around to teach them stuff."

Glad that TV shoots are more regulated now, Hiten adds, "We stick to the 12-hour daily shoot schedule, which works wonders for everyone. Cases of burnout amongst actors or other unit members are few now." He adds, "Earlier, we had no fixed timings. I have shot non-stop for three days as the episodes of Kyunki' had to be aired the same day." TV actors also can't afford to fall sick, "because the story suffers."

So, staying healthy is a priority for the actor.

"I have a healthy and balanced diet. I eat a proper breakfast with green tea, boiled eggs and muesli or oatmeal after my 45-minute daily workout. Lunch is basically dal, vegetable, salad and two rotis. Dinner is light with soup and a brown bread sandwich."

The possessor of a good metabolism, Hiten sticks to cardio and light weights at the gym. "One should work out for a fit body, energy and stamina too and not just to lose weight," he insists.