Kalki Koechlin opens up on Bollywood’s exhausting work culture; says, 'Rarely do 12-hour shifts begin or end on time'

Kalki Koechlin talks about Bollywood's work culture

• Kalki Koechlin notes chaotic long hours on Indian film sets compared to overseas.
• She praises foreign work culture, urges healthier practices in Bollywood.
• Her Song to premiere at festivals before theatrical release

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Kalki Koechlin has added her voice to the growing conversation around long working hours and chaotic shoot schedules in the Hindi film industry, following the debate sparked by Deepika Padukone’s request for an eight-hour shift after becoming a mother.

Drawing from her experience working on international projects, the actor has pointed out stark differences between Indian and overseas film productions, particularly when it comes to discipline, work hours, and set culture.

Kalki, who recently worked on the international production Her Song, spoke to Hindustan Times about how structured and efficient foreign sets tend to be. Reflecting on her experience, she said, “The fun and coolest part was how tight and concise the crew was. Here, we never have fewer than a hundred people on set at any time. It can be chaotic and noisy where you’re trying to concentrate.”

Addressing the issue of long working hours in Bollywood, Kalki was candid about how 12-hour shifts often extend unpredictably. “Rarely has my 12-hour shift here ended or begun on time. It’s even more exhausting for the crew who work longer hours,” she said.

Sharing an example from her time shooting Goldfish in London, Kalki highlighted the contrast, “There were strict rules for work hours, one-hour lunch breaks, and getting every seventh day off. I believe we can learn a great deal from that to create a happier set. The chaos we work with here isn’t necessarily healthy for creative work.”

Also Read: Kalki Koechlin on new film Goldfish and wanting to do a biopic and action film

She further noted that international sets function with a sense of calm that allows actors and crew to focus better. “There’s a lot of shaant (peace) there, and we could learn from that. As for them, I think they could learn from us how to heighten emotion without it feeling over-the-top,” Kalki added, striking a balanced note.

On the work front, Kalki revealed that Her Song will first travel to film festivals before a theatrical release. She also mentioned ongoing shoots in Mumbai and Kolkata, adding, “But I just wish for a nice comedy to come my way. That’s what’s missing from my life.”