Veteran actor Saurabh Shukla has opened up on the work culture in the entertainment industry. Shukla, known for his sharp wit and thoughtful insights, said strict eight-hour shifts are not always the solution. His comments came as the actor talked about Season 2 of his latest series Bindiya’s BahubaliCo-starring Ranveer Shorey.

had an exclusive conversation with India TodayShukla also shared why he has stepped away from direction. He also shared his opinion on the controversy surrounding AR Rahman’s comment about not getting enough work in Hindi cinema.

on an eight-hour workday

When asked whether the team followed an eight-hour work schedule, Shukla said there is a human limit to the work done, but it is not fair to measure everyone on the same scale. For them, creative flow matters more than a rigid schedule.

“If you’re in a flow, I really think that, all of a sudden, if you’re going to go half an hour or an hour beyond your working hours, you shouldn’t worry about it because, in the bargain, you’re getting a lot more continuity of thought and continuity of that flow,” he said.

His reasoning stemmed from the fact that he believed the ultimate goal for actors should be their work, not the hours spent at work.

“It (the deadline) should be there, but it’s not the main thing. The main thing is what you’re creating. Instead of focusing on the clock—that oh! It’s 6 or 8 o’clock, and I have to go home—focus more on the work you’re doing.”

Shukla’s comments come amid a growing voice from a section of the film and TV industry demanding regulation of working hours in the Hindi film industry, a concern first raised by actress Deepika Padukone.

Why doesn’t he direct anymore?

Reflecting on why he no longer directs films despite directing Issue, face, night is gone, talk is gone and dry dayShukla gave a direct answer.

He said, “Yes, that’s because you haven’t come forward to produce it. Produce my film and I will direct.”

AR Rahman and thoughts on individuals

Musician AR Rahman’s recent claim that the music industry has changed, with non-creative people now having more power, has incensed everyone associated with show business in India as well as fans. Importantly, the Oscar-winning composer said that communal bias in the industry may have worked against him. His comments about the Hindi film industry have fueled widespread debate about inclusion and industry culture.

Shukla decided not to make the issue personal. “I’ve heard that there are three kinds of conversations. One is that you talk about people. One is that you talk about events. And one is that you talk about ideas. And there’s a hierarchy in these conversations,” he said, “I think I’ll do the third one. Let’s talk about ideas, not people.”

Why Bindiya K Bahubali 2Wworked for him

Turning to his new show, Bindiya’s Bahubali 2Shukla explains what attracted him to the project. He said the latest season ticked the right boxes, starting with strong writing.

Shukla said, “It’s not that I just choose projects. Many times, a project comes to me and I am grateful that it came to me. First the writing attracts you and then the possibility. When you realize that you have such good co-stars, you know the journey is going to be fun. It’s like forming a group and going on a beautiful journey. Whatever that journey is.”

“Of course, it goes without saying that you also look for money,” he said.

On her relationship with Ranveer Shorey

The conversation focused on the on-screen and off-screen bond that Ranvir Shorey and Shukla have shared with him for a long time. The pair has worked together in many films, such as false, mixed doubles, Dasvidaniya, seen with eyes And I’m 24. When asked about the behind-the-scenes moments that strengthened their relationship, Shukla spoke about their long-standing relationship. “The most basic thing is that I liked him from the beginning. I like his art, his craft, his whole inclination towards art. I think it’s the opposite. At first, we respected each other’s work, and that’s what brought us closer. Then we got to know each other as human beings. Now everything fits the bill.”

Shouri’s presence was an important factor in Shukla’s decision to star in Season 2 Bindiya’s Bahubali. He said, “Hearing that Ranveer is in this project and many other people I know pulled me into this project.”

On the success of Season 2 of his new show

Finally, when Shukla was asked what would make the new season truly successful, he left it up to the audience. “We’re done. The baby is out in the world. The rest of the world will tell us how the baby is, not the other way around.”

Bindiya’s Bahubali 2 Currently streaming on Amazon MX Player.