Roles to die for? Amit and Hiten

Roles to die for?

Yesterday, in our story, 'Khade Raho!' we talked about the extremely gruelling work schedules of TV actors. Sapana Patil Poojary finds out how the fraternity copes with the pressure

• Pooja Ghai
I used to work round the clock until a year ago. That was when I was hospitalised for exerting myself. I had spoilt my skin and hair. Continuous exposure to lights and long hours took a toll on my health. It took me six months to become fit again. Now, I work only for 10 hours at the most and shoot for only 20 days a month. If you over-exert, then you will end up reducing your career-span.

• Sanjit Bedi
I am acting in four shows. I shoot throughout the month and on most days I work for 16 to 20 hours. But I am enjoying it. I sleep for five hours on an average. Often I nap in the car or between shots. I have enrolled myself with six gyms across Mumbai that are located near the sets. So when I get an hour's break, I go the gym and work out. Surprisingly, I can balance my personal life too.

• Hiten Tejwani
I shoot practically daily for five hours. This has been my routine for the last three years. I manage to sleep for six hours everyday. I have heard that people who sleep for six hours are better performers than people who sleep for eight hours. Although I have been following this regime for so long, thankfully, I have never passed out.

• Sudha Shivpuri
I have been working in the industry for a long time. But I cannot work longer than eight hours daily. I exercise regularly and shoot for 25 days a month. I feel it's wrong to dictate your terms to the production house. This is where the younger generation fails. They don't care of themselves. They don't eat and sleep regularly. If they take adequate care, they can avoid such mishaps.

• Amit Tandon
I spend almost 20 hours on the sets. During breaks, I take power naps. It's quite an energy-saver. The schedules are tight and I have often felt that enough is enough. At times, we pack late at night and have to report at 6 am the next day. I wondering when do they expect us to sleep. We are not machines after all.


Doc-speak Dr Sunita Banerjee
All individuals have different sleep patterns. People who meditate don't need so much sleep. Actors need to consume more fluids. Continuous exposure to lights and heat affects their health. The success gives the actors a sense of false well being. Their adrenaline rush is generally high. To avoid major problems they must not ignore even minor indications.