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Suniel Shetty joins the working hours debate: ’12-18 hours is not possible, need my breaks’

In a recent interview, actor Suniel Shetty said he does not believe in overworking oneself and stressed the importance of taking breaks.

2 min readBengaluruJan 16, 2026 02:55 PM IST

Suniel Shetty stresses work-life balance amid Bollywood’s long working hours debate.

Veteran actor Suniel Shetty has appeared in over 100 films during a career spanning more than three decades. Even in his 60s, the actor continues to captivate audiences. Recently, the actor shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate around work culture in Bollywood, particularly the trend of gruelling, long working hours.

Suniel shared that 12–18 hour workdays are neither realistic nor productive for him, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance, breaks, and rest.

Also read | Suniel Shetty’s answer to Shark Tank is Bharat Ke Super Founders with Rs 100 crore investment pool, watch trailer

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

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Highlighting the role of fitness and routine breaks, Suniel Shetty 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.”

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On the professional front, Suniel Shetty will host and serve as a mentor on Amazon MX Player’s new show, Bharat Ke Super Founders, which spotlights and supports entrepreneurs from across India.

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