Shefali Shah: 8-Hour Workday Advocate

Shefali Shah has established strict 8-hour workday limits in her contracts, a change she attributes to the acclaim from 'Delhi Crime.' She now has the leverage to enforce these boundaries, a stark contrast to her earlier career. Shah emphasizes that her requests for adequate vanity vans and personal suites are essential for practical reasons, such as accommodating hair, makeup, and creative meetings, rather than being extravagant demands.

Her advocacy extends to improving the overall working conditions for the crew, ensuring they have comfortable facilities, especially in adverse weather. Shah believes that by setting these standards, she is not only protecting her own well-being but also contributing to a healthier industry norm. She recalled instances where her husband had to ensure she left sets on time, highlighting the struggle against long, unsustainable working hours.

Shah's firm stance on contractual timings has had a ripple effect on set, with assistant directors and crew members admitting that her departure allows them to also go home. This demonstrates how individual actions, backed by industry success, can reset unhealthy work practices for everyone involved, fostering a more balanced and sustainable work environment in the film industry.