The job crisis in India goes beyond lack of employment. As the most overworked globally, Indian employees across sectors are victims of toxic workplaces and hustle culture. Support our coverage on Naukri Crisis and help us bring you real stories of real people.
Imagine working for 27 hours straight. Picture sleeping only for a couple of hours in transit before rushing to your next shoot. Or imagine working every day of the month – with only two days off.
Sounds harsh? For many in Mumbai's entertainment industry, this is an everyday reality. A reality where there are "no ground rules" – and the physical and mental well-being of the employee is regularly compromised. As an entertainment journalist for 17-odd years, I've come across many a horror stories of people trying to keep up with the intense demands, high pressure, and erratic schedules of what can be best categorised as an informal sector.
An acquaintance, who was working as an assistant director on an ad, narrated her ordeal of shooting non-stop for 38 hours over two days. Another spoke about falling ill due to pre-shoot stress – and the subsequent long hours on set. Actors pushing through high fever because "calling in sick isn't an option" – as the sets are up and the crew is ready – is far too common.
Even before the Hema Committee Report and EY employee Anna Sebastian's death exposed the wrongdoings in the Malayalam film industry and India Inc, The Quint has been regularly bringing you stories of India's j.