Lin Laishram weighs in on regulated 8-hour workday debate; says, 'There’s a life beyond work' - Exclusive

Lin Laishram

In the wake of Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 after demanding regulated working hours, discussions around fair working conditions and gender equality in the entertainment industry have intensified. While many have lauded the idea as a long-overdue step towards balance and well-being, others have debated its practicality in a profession known for its long, demanding hours.

Actor-entrepreneur Lin Laishram, who has straddled multiple careers in modelling, films, and business, offered a grounded perspective on the issue. “To be honest, I have never worked in an office setup, so I don’t know how it functions,” she said to MoneyControl.com. “When I’m on a shoot, it’s mostly 12-hour shifts that we do. There’s no negotiation because everybody works those hours — actors, crew, light men — some even 14 or 15 hours. It really depends on what you do.”

However, Lin is clear that overworking is never productive. “Yes, it should be regulated,” she asserted. “I don’t think making somebody work beyond a certain hour is productive at all. Having disciplined work hours really matters. When you’re doing something every single day without a break, it becomes mundane.”

Her reflections go beyond the entertainment industry, touching on India’s overall work culture and happiness index. “I feel India should start considering weekends off — like Saturday and Sunday — the way people have it in the West,” she said. “You become more productive when you have an after-work life too. There’s a life beyond work.”

Lin believes that happiness and rest are not indulgences but necessities for a progressive society. “Nobody should feel that work becomes labour again,” she emphasised. “That little gap of entertainment, that time to relax, keeps people happy — and a happy youth means a better, more developed country.”

Leading by example, Lin practices this philosophy with her own staff. “They’re all young boys,” she said fondly. “Every month I tell them, take off, go watch a movie. I’ll even book the tickets. When they come back to work, they’re refreshed and more focused.”

Also read: Director Hansal Mehta backs Deepika Padukone, slams toxic work culture: 'Can this really be called an industry'

On the work front, Lin has an exciting year ahead. “I’ve done a movie called Bun Tikki, a Stage5 production by Manish Malhotra,” she revealed. “It stars Shabana ji, Zeenat Aman, Abhay Deol, and Nushrratt Bharuccha — it’s a very interesting topic, and I’m really looking forward to its release.” She also shared that she’s planning to expand her Manipuri cloud kitchen into a full-fledged restaurant soon.