Veteran TV actress Shweta Tiwari recently shared striking details about the relentless work culture during her time on the hit show ‘Kasautii Zindagi Kay,’ crediting producer Ekta Kapoor’s unparalleled dedication for driving the demanding schedules.
When 72 Hours Felt Like a Normal Shift
Appearing on Bharti TV’s podcast, Shweta Tiwari opened up about the intense work environment prevalent in Indian television’s golden era. She revealed that actors, including herself, would often work for an astonishing 72 hours straight without a break. This meant incredibly long shifts, stretching from 7 AM to 7 PM for the first shift, and then from 7 PM until 2 AM for the second.
The rigorous schedule sometimes led to actors being paid for 45 days even after completing a 30-day shooting schedule, a testament to the sheer number of hours put in. This non-stop grind was a hallmark of the industry, where rest was a luxury few could afford.
Ekta Kapoor: The Unsleeping Visionary
Shweta emphasized that this extreme dedication wasn’t limited to the actors; it was deeply inspired by Ekta Kapoor herself. With 22 shows under her wing at the time, Ekta was known for her incredible work ethic, rarely sleeping and always being available. Shweta recalled how Ekta would pick up calls at any hour, night or day, and calmly address any concerns or creative issues.
Ekta’s ability to narrate and explain scenes was legendary. Shweta noted that once Ekta had explained a scene, actors understood it perfectly and rarely needed further clarification. Her passion for storytelling was so profound that Shweta often tried to mimic Ekta’s delivery, marveling at how Ekta would give her goosebumps just by explaining a story or dialogue.
The Evolving Landscape of Indian Television
While reminiscing about the past, Shweta also touched upon how Indian television has transformed over the years. She feels that the driving force behind current productions has shifted from pure passion to chasing viewership numbers. The focus, she observed, is now often on creating content that aligns with what brings in the highest ratings, rather than the intrinsic creative drive that once dominated the industry.
- Shweta Tiwari worked 72 hours non-stop during ‘Kasautii Zindagi Kay’.
- She was paid for 45 days after completing a 30-day schedule due to long shifts.
- Ekta Kapoor’s relentless work ethic and hands-on approach inspired the entire team.
- Ekta was known for her ability to explain scenes perfectly, leaving no room for error.
- The work culture in Indian TV has reportedly shifted from passion-driven to numbers-driven.
This glimpse into the demanding world of early 2000s Indian television highlights the immense dedication required from both cast and crew, largely fueled by visionary creators like Ekta Kapoor, who continues to shape the industry with new projects, including the upcoming return of ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.’
