TV actors demand better work hours, pay, and merit-based casting in daily soaps
TV actors demand better work hours, pay, and merit-based casting

Experienced actors should skip auditions

Actress Roma Navani argues that veterans with decades of work and a proven body of roles should not be subjected to auditions for every part. She suggests that a meeting or look test should suffice, and that production teams and channels must learn to recognize the potential of an experienced actor without forcing them to prove themselves repeatedly.

Episode bank for relaxed schedules

Parakh Madan, another actor, proposes maintaining a minimum of seven to ten days' worth of episode bank. This buffer, he says, would reduce the stress of cut-to-cut telecasts, allow controlled shift timings, and improve creative quality. He also strongly advocates for casting based on real talent rather than social media follower counts, noting that not all brilliant actors are content creators and that pressuring them into a digital rat race harms the art.

Limited working hours for better quality

Niharika Chouksey highlights the exhaustion from seven-day telecasts. "Better working hours for everyone please. This seven-day telecast is really tiring for actors and spoils the quality also of the show because we have literally no time to shoot, so lot of things get compromised," she says.

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Diverse stories and fresh talent

Gaurav M Sharma calls for healthier work schedules that allow time to recharge and be with family. He also welcomes more opportunities for fresh faces and diverse narratives, stating that unique stories keep audiences engaged and help the industry evolve.

Monthly pay and shorter shifts

Kanwar Dhillon points out the current 90 to 120-day payment cycle as a major issue. He believes invoices should be cleared monthly, like in other professions. On working hours, he says, "We don't need 12-hour or longer shifts to deliver quality content. With better planning, an 8 to 10-hour workday is more than enough." He adds that adequate rest improves creativity and execution, making the industry healthier and more sustainable.

These actor voices reflect a growing consensus that television's demanding format needs structural reforms to benefit both talent and content quality.

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