Suniel Shetty says 12-18 hours work is not possible: `I need my breaks`

Actor Suniel Shetty has been an active part of the film industry for over 30 years. The actor, who is in his 60s, is ageing like fine wine and continues to entertain audiences with new roles. He has also been vocal about industry-related issues and has often spoken up on matters that concern him. For some time now, the industry has been witnessing a debate around work culture, especially regarding long working hours. When asked about his views in an interview with mid-day, Shetty said he does not believe in overextending oneself and stressed the importance of taking breaks.

Suniel Shetty on working hours debate

“I’ve lived my life the way I have. Even being a part of the industry, I have only made sure that I work during my work hours. If it’s a 9 to 6, I would expect it to be 9 to 6. If my producer is in trouble, I’ll do a 9 to 9 the next morning, but that understanding is important; otherwise, you can’t get the best output from me,” he said.

Shetty does not believe in overworking or pushing oneself beyond one’s capacity. “You’re talking about 12-hour or 18-hour work. It’s not possible,” he said.

He added, “I was an action hero. If I don’t get my break or my lunch, I become the most irritable person. I need that break because that’s what recharges me. So, if you want the best output, you give me my breaks.”

“I honestly believe you can’t achieve anything in life by overextending yourself or constantly pushing your limits. For me, fitness is my life. I am who I am at 65 only because of that fitness. If you take away the gym from me, you take away my life. What’s important for me is something I need to realise, and the people who expect me to work need to realise it too,” he added.

Suniel Shetty on Bharat Ke Super Founders

Meanwhile, the actor will take on hosting and mentoring duties on Amazon MX Player’s new show Bharat Ke Super Founders. Talking about what sets the show apart from others like Shark Tank, he said the format brings interior India into focus in a big way.

“While you have the usual funders and investors, there’s another layer added to the show—the market. You have excellent founders and seasoned investors, or tycoons as we call them, with a very positive mindset. A lot of research goes into selecting the founders, so there’s clarity when they come on board,” he explained.

Shetty added that the show offers nearly an 80 percent assurance that the right founders with impactful products will receive funding. Even if investors choose to step back, the market can offer financial support in the form of debt linked to sales rather than fixed interest.

“It’s a win-win for everyone. There’s no show anywhere in the world that comes close to what we are trying to do,” he concluded.