Fair Work Reforms For New Mothers

Tanuj Virwani champions work-life balance for new moms urging fair shifts across Bollywood

By Jehangir Irroni

In an industry where long hours and hectic schedules have often overshadowed the need for personal well‐being, Bollywood actor Tanuj Virwani has stepped forward to advocate for fair work conditions, especially for new mothers. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble, Virwani stressed that while the glamour and glitz of the film world are well documented, the behind‐the-scenes working environment demands urgent reforms. His candid remarks underscore the importance of balancing career ambitions with family responsibilities, a concern that resonates across every echelon of the industry.

Industry Support And Equal Conditions

During the interview, Virwani asserted that the need for balanced working hours is not limited to leading actors alone. He noted, “I did read about it and I think she is well within her rights especially since she is a new mother. So obviously her child will be requiring her a lot of her time and that’s something I’ve noticed even with my own wife because we have an 8‑month‑old baby girl.” These remarks not only highlighted the challenges faced by new mothers but also emphasized that the issue cuts across gender and role lines. Virwani’s perspective offers a glimpse into the everyday struggles of balancing personal life with demanding professional commitments.

A Call For Uniform Industry Standards

Expanding on his views, Virwani argued that fair work conditions should extend beyond just the stars on the screen. He made a compelling case for the need to implement same rules for actors and the technical crew alike. He explained, “I personally feel the rules should be the same for actors, for technicians, for everyone, and I feel 12‑hour shifts including hair, makeup, and your lunch break or your dinner break is healthy provided you know there is at least one day every week where it is an off. Also, I feel that there must be certain concessions that are made. It is not just how many hours are shooting; it is like what is the downtime between 2 shifts because many times you are shooting far away from home. So, you know, you have to take commute time also into the entire equation.” By bringing up these concerns, Virwani’s commentary shines a light on a less glamorous, yet vital aspect of the film industry: the physical and emotional toll of long, unrelenting schedules on everyone involved.

Personal Experiences Informing A Broader Debate

Drawing from his own experiences as a husband and a father, Virwani highlighted how personal life and work inevitably intersect. He reflected on how even his own household life has been marked by the demands of a challenging career, mirroring the experiences of many in the industry. His reference to his wife and their 8‑month‑old baby is a poignant reminder that behind the on‐screen persona of success lies a personal commitment to family. This direct personal connection serves to strengthen his call for reform, pushing for a model that offers support and understanding to those juggling multiple roles.

The actor emphasized that a regulated framework — one that includes regular breaks, reasonable hours, and adequate rest between long shifts — would not only enhance the quality of life for all workers but also lead to a healthier, more creative working environment. He articulated a vision where unions play a more proactive role and push for changes that safeguard the talent behind the camera, not just the stars in front of it.

An Industry In Transition

Bollywood has been in the midst of several transformative conversations lately, with artists and technicians alike coming together to demand systemic changes. Virwani’s advocacy comes at a time when discussions about mental health, work-life balance, and fair labor practices are gaining momentum. His remarks resonate with many who have long felt that the demanding schedules and extended shooting days are unsustainable in the long run.

On Instagram, Virwani’s post (https://www.instagram.com/p/DLCuS6xp0-W/) further amplifies his message. The image captures him in a reflective moment, underlining the sincerity of his call for fair work practices. His transparency about the struggles inherent in juggling professional commitments with family responsibilities has struck a chord among his followers, sparking conversations about industry standards and the need for a more humane work model.

Bollywood Bubble has been at the forefront of these discussions, shedding light on the unsung challenges faced by film professionals. Virwani’s statements are not just a commentary on work conditions but also a rallying cry for a unified effort to bring about meaningful change. By urging for a balanced approach, he is setting the stage for an industry-wide debate about the sustainability of current work practices and the reforms needed to protect the well-being of all its members.

In a world where the glamor of the silver screen often overshadows the daily realities of its personnel, Virwani’s advocacy serves as a timely reminder that every professional, whether on camera or behind it, deserves a fair shot at balancing career success with family life. His impassioned words have the potential to spark not only policy changes but also a cultural shift towards greater empathy and understanding within the film community.

Bollywood, known for its vibrant storytelling, now finds itself grappling with the need for a narrative that champions the welfare of its own. Virwani’s call for industry standards that accommodate the natural rhythms of life, including the challenges of new parenthood, sets a precedent that could eventually lead to a more supportive and sustainable working environment.

His message is clear: the very people who create the magic on screen deserve the same consideration and care that they extend to their audiences. As the debate over fair work conditions intensifies, Virwani’s insights might well be the catalyst that propels Bollywood towards a future where creativity and well-being go hand in hand.

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Jehangir Irroni
Jehangir IrroniDirector, AVP Videos
Jehangir Irroni is a filmmaker and creative director with over 18 years of experience in directing ad films, corporate videos, web series, and television shows. As assistant vice president - Videos at IncNut Digital, Jehangir is involved in producing and directing videos and infomercials.

Read full bio of Jehangir Irroni
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