In a landmark move aimed at strengthening India’s mental health ecosystem, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has appointed actor and philanthropist Deepika Padukone as the country’s first-ever ‘Mental Health Ambassador’. The announcement was made in New Delhi on October 10, 2025, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

Deepika, who is also the Founder of The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation, will collaborate with the Ministry to drive nationwide mental health awareness and advocacy. Her appointment marks a significant step by the government in integrating mental well-being into the broader framework of public health.

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “The partnership with Ms. Deepika Padukone will help widely disseminate awareness about mental health issues in India, normalize discussions to reduce stigma, and highlight mental health as an integral aspect of public health.”

Expressing her gratitude and commitment, Deepika said, “I am deeply honoured to serve as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador for the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made significant strides in prioritizing mental health care. I look forward to working closely with the Ministry to build on this momentum and further strengthen our nation’s mental health framework.”

In her new role, Padukone will work alongside the Ministry to promote mental health awareness and de-stigmatization across the country. She will also focus on encouraging individuals to seek timely help, supporting preventive care efforts, and promoting access to resources such as Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States). Additionally, she will contribute to designing and implementing strategic interventions that ensure equitable access to mental health care services for all.

The announcement coincides with a milestone year for The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which completes a decade of impactful work in the mental health space. Over the last ten years, LLL has created several pathways of care through its flagship Rural Community Mental Health Program, which has supported more than 21,931 persons with mental illness and their caregivers across 15 districts in eight states.

The foundation has also spearheaded multiple nationwide awareness campaigns including “Dobara Poocho” and “#NotAshamed”, both aimed at normalizing conversations around mental well-being. Its school-focused program, “You Are Not Alone”, provides mental health education and emotional support to adolescent students, while its “Doctors Program” equips general practitioners to better address mental health concerns. More recently, LLL expanded its initiatives into the corporate space with a comprehensive Corporate Mental Health and Well-Being Program.

Through this new partnership with the Ministry, Deepika Padukone and her foundation aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action, reinforcing the message that mental health is as vital as physical health.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone’s Hijab is NOT your business. Nor was her bikini.

Actress Sahher Bambba, who made her debut in 2019 with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas opposite Karan Deol, is back on screen with her second project, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Sahher opened up about the challenges she faced after her debut and the long wait before bagging her next big role.

Recalling the underwhelming response to her debut, Sahher admitted it was a harsh reality check. “It was just, it just felt like a dream shattering right in front of your eyes. And that was my biggest learning, also of the industry is that… I fortunately got great reviews. But my biggest learning was that eventually, when this film doesn’t do well, nothing works,” she said.

The actress revealed that the years following her debut were marked by constant auditions and rejections. “Oh, my God, I was auditioning every single day. And then also COVID happened. I was in Simla for two years, then I came back, or started auditioning again. Did some work in between. But, of course, I mean, we’re still hoping that people start recognising me as an actor. But auditions were just happening almost every single day. And also The Ba***ds Of Bollywood came to me at a time where I was, I’ll be very honest, dejected from so many rejections, because it almost felt like a pattern where I would make it to the short list and just never get cast. And so it was beginning to take a toll on me. I started to get a little exhausted with that entire process,” Sahher shared.

Talking about bagging the role of Karishma Talvar in the series, she recalled her first reaction: “Theek hai kar lungi audition. But nahi hoga because it just felt too good to be true and too far-fetched. So this weight has been quite the weight. This has been quite a journey. And I’ve seen it all, actually.”

The Ba***ds of Bollywood boasts of a stellar ensemble cast featuring Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Raghav Juyal, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Gautami Kapoor, and Rajat Bedi. The series delves into both the glamour and the grind of chasing dreams in the world’s most vibrant film industry.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sahher Bambba recounts her first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan; says, “He was so sweet and warm”

Suniel Shetty has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking legal protection for his personality rights. While the full details of his plea are yet to be disclosed, reports indicate that the actor cited a viral deepfake image featuring him and his grandchild in his appeal.

“Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty moves the Bombay High Court for protection of his personality rights. The actor has stated that many social media pages and websites use his image to promote their business. The actor also cited an instance of a deep fake picture with his grandchild," Bar and Bench reported.

This move comes amid a growing trend of celebrities taking legal action to safeguard their personal and commercial identity. In recent times, stars such as Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, and Akkineni Nagarjuna have also approached courts to protect their personality rights from misuse online.

Earlier this month, the Bombay High Court issued an order protecting veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle from the unauthorised use of her identity. The court barred several entities from exploiting her name, images, or voice—explicitly including manipulations using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The judgment emphasized that enabling AI tools to replicate a celebrity’s voice without consent constitutes a violation of identity rights.

“Personality Rights of individuals, simply put, entail the right to control and protect the exploitation of one’s image, name, likeness or other attributes of the individuals’ personality, in addition to the commercial gains that can be derived from the same. Personality Rights can be located in the individuals’ autonomy to permit or deny the exploitation of the likeness of other attributes of their personality,” the Delhi High Court had stated while upholding Aishwarya Rai’s rights.

Personality rights give individuals legal authority over the public and commercial use of their identity. These rights protect unique attributes such as one’s image, voice, signature, or catchphrases. They are broadly divided into the Right of Publicity, guarding against unauthorised commercial use, and the Right to Privacy, shielding individuals from misuse through deepfakes, doctored images, fabricated endorsements, or intimate content.

Also Read : Suniel Shetty pens heartfelt note praising Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1: “Only a man possessed and obsessed with his roots could have created something this powerful”

Businessman Raj Kundra has told the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) that his company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, suffered massive financial losses following the 2016 demonetisation, as the firm relied heavily on cash transactions. The revelation came during a detailed statement recorded by the EOW in connection with the ongoing Rs. 60 crore cheating case involving Kundra and his wife, actor Shilpa Shetty.

According to police officials, a team of four to five EOW officers visited the couple’s Mumbai residence last week and recorded their statements for nearly four hours. The move comes shortly after the Bombay High Court raised questions about their request to travel abroad amid the ongoing investigation.

Kundra, whose statement was first recorded on September 15, reportedly provided additional details in a second round of questioning. As per a senior officer, he informed the police that the company had invested over Rs. 20 crore in advertising and an equal amount in setting up operations and staffing. However, when demonetisation was introduced, the firm’s cash-on-delivery model collapsed, leading to substantial losses.

A police official stated that Kundra mentioned several Bollywood actors had featured in the company’s advertisements and submitted related documents. He said that one actor and two actresses participated in promotional campaigns for the brand, further adding that their payments are still being verified. It was also revealed that Shilpa Shetty appeared in one of the company’s advertisements, though the payment “was not credited to her account.” Authorities are now examining her bank records to verify the transactions.

Kundra’s company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, was a home shopping and online retail venture that ceased operations a few years after its launch. The ongoing case stems from a complaint filed by businessman Deepak Kothari, who alleged that Kundra and Shetty took Rs 60 crore under the guise of a business investment but failed to return the money.

The EOW has already issued a Look-Out Circular (LOC) against the couple, and investigations are underway to trace the flow of funds and verify the claims made by the businessman. With Kundra’s latest statement highlighting financial setbacks linked to demonetisation, the probe continues to uncover new details surrounding the company’s collapse and alleged misuse of investor funds.

Also Read: Bombay HC blocks Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s international travel amid Rs 60 crores fraud case

Prime Video has officially announced its upcoming Original drama series Storm (working title), a high-stakes thriller set in Mumbai and produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under the banner of HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions. The series marks Hrithik’s significant step as a producer in the streaming space and reunites him with acclaimed director Ajitpal Singh, who serves as creator and director.

Storm features an ensemble cast led by Parvathy Thiruvothu, Alaya F, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad, and explores a world of ambition, secrets, and survival in the heart of Mumbai. Written by Ajitpal Singh, François Lunel, and Swati Das, the show is set to go on floors soon and promises an intense narrative centered on strong women characters navigating high-stakes situations.

Speaking about his decision to produce Storm, Hrithik Roshan shared, “Storm presented me with the perfect opportunity to make my debut as a producer in the streaming space, and Prime Video, with its proven record of bringing exceptional stories to life, was an instinctive choice. What drew me to Storm was the compelling world that Ajitpal has created. The story is raw, layered, and powerful, with unforgettable characters which will be essayed by incredibly talented actors. This series has the potential to resonate with audiences not just in India but across the globe, and I'm excited for viewers worldwide to experience its captivating narrative on Prime Video.”

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The collaboration also marks a milestone for Prime Video as the platform continues to expand its partnerships with leading creative voices in Indian cinema. Gaurav Gandhi, Vice President, APAC & MENA, Prime Video, said, “Hrithik Roshan is one of Indian cinema's most distinguished creative forces, and our collaboration with him and HRX Films is a significant milestone that exemplifies our dedication to excellence in storytelling. The development process of this series has been remarkably rewarding, with Hrithik's distinctive artistic vision and Eshaan Roshan’s dynamic energy enriching the narrative.”

With production expected to commence soon, Storm is already generating strong anticipation. The project is being positioned as a globally relevant thriller, blending emotional intensity with the fast-paced storytelling that has come to define contemporary Indian originals on streaming platforms. More details on the series are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Also Read: Producer Shobu Yarlagadda clears Hrithik Roshan Baahubali casting rumours: “It was always Prabhas”

A legal dispute has surfaced ahead of the release of the upcoming film Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam. The daughter of the late Smt. Shah Bano Begum, Siddiqua Begum, has issued a notice to the filmmakers and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), seeking to halt the movie’s release, promotion, and screenings.

According to the notice, obtained by NDTV, the film allegedly portrays Shah Bano’s personal life, including private family events and social circumstances, without the consent of her legal heirs. The notice, sent by advocate Tousif Z Warsi on Siddiqua Begum’s behalf, is addressed to Haq director Suparn Verma, production partner Junglee Pictures, promoter Baweja Studios, and the CBFC.

Siddiqua Begum claims she is the lawful biological daughter and one of the surviving legal heirs of Shah Bano. She argues that the film’s conceptualisation and publicity have taken place without her or her family’s permission. The notice describes this as “unauthorised use, distortion, and commercialisation of private life events,” which it says violates Indian law.

The legal notice cites several precedents, including the Supreme Court’s 2017 judgment in Justice KS Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India, which recognises the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. It also refers to a 2003 Delhi High Court ruling in ICC Development (International) Ltd. v. Arvee Enterprises, which prevents commercial exploitation of a person’s likeness or life story without permission.

In addition, the notice warns that any depiction that could “tarnish the image, moral character, or societal perception” of Shah Bano or her family could amount to defamation. The filmmakers are also reminded of provisions under the Copyright Act, 1957, which grant moral rights to authors and their heirs. The CBFC’s guidelines, which prohibit invasion of privacy and derogatory portrayal of individuals, have also been mentioned in support of the notice.

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The notice asks all parties to immediately stop releasing, promoting, or screening Haq in any format, including theatres and digital platforms, until written consent is obtained from Shah Bano’s heirs. It further requests the CBFC to withhold or revoke certification for the film until this consent is verified. The notice gives the parties seven days to comply before legal action is initiated.

The makers of Haq, during the teaser release, had described the film as “a searing and intense drama inspired by the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case.” They have not yet responded to the legal notice.

Haq stars Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam and is set to explore the controversial and historic case that captured national attention.

Also Read: Yami Gautam Dhar expresses gratitude over love being showered on Haq teaser; says, “Thank you”

Director Siddharth Anand recently created a buzz online with a mysterious post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, leaving fans speculating about a possible announcement related to King, the much-awaited Shah Rukh Khan-starrer. Currently in the shooting stage, the film has already stirred excitement thanks to leaked images and videos from the set. Now, Anand’s cryptic post has further fueled anticipation among movie lovers.

Siddharth Anand's Post Sends Fans Into a Frenzy

On his X account, Siddharth Anand simply wrote: “Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.” Though brief, the post was enough to spark a wave of speculation among fans. Many interpreted it as a hint at an upcoming teaser or poster reveal for King, which features a star-studded cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, and others.

Fan Reactions: Countdown to an Announcement?

The post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments section to decode its meaning. One user wrote, “Tik, tok... bang, boom... The bigger a #SRKian, the faster the heartbeat. Mine’s a stampede.” Another speculated, “Tick tock... feels like 2nd November is calling.” Several others pointed out the possible significance of the date, noting that Shah Rukh Khan's birthday falls on November 2, raising hopes for a special announcement on that day.

Another fan tried to crack the code with a theory: “2 tick 2 tock 2.11 it is. Message decoded.” Others asked the director directly if the promotional campaign for King was officially beginning.

Deepika Padukone Confirms Her Role in King

Adding to the buzz, Deepika Padukone recently shared a photo from the film’s set featuring Shah Rukh Khan, confirming her involvement in the project. She reportedly joined the team in Poland to shoot her scenes.

Alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Deepika Padukone, the film also stars Rani Mukerji, Raghav Juyal, Abhay Verma, Abhishek Bachchan, and Akshay Oberoi in key roles. King is being positioned as an action drama, and expectations are high given the cast and crew involved.

All Eyes on November 2

While there has been no official confirmation yet, all signs seem to point toward November 2, Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday, as a likely date for a teaser, poster, or announcement related to King. Until then, fans are holding their breath and closely watching every move from the film’s team. Stay tuned for more updates on King as they unfold.

Also Read: Siddharth Anand on 6 years of War, “It has been the most important point in my career”

There’s a strange obsession in this country - a woman’s wardrobe seems to invite more outrage than burning issues ever do. Every few months, the outrage machine picks a new target, and this time it’s Deepika Padukone, once again.

When she wore a bikini in Pathaan, people screamed about “Indian values.” Now, because she wore an abaya and hijab in a tourism campaign for Abu Dhabi, the same voices are accusing her of being “too Islamic.” The contradiction is laughable - first she was too bold, now she’s too modest. Maybe what really bothers people isn’t what she wears, but the fact that she refuses to conform to their hypocrisy.

Let’s get this straight - what a woman wears is her right. Not a referendum for public approval.

If she wears a bikini on a beach, that’s confidence. If she wears a hijab in a mosque, that’s respect. If she wears a lehenga at a wedding, that’s culture. But in every single case, it is her choice, not yours.

The trolling around the Abu Dhabi ad is not just misplaced - it’s ignorant. Deepika was filming a tourism campaign at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, where every visitor - regardless of religion - is required to cover their head and dress modestly. It’s not about religion; it’s about cultural decorum. She didn’t “promote” anything controversial - she simply followed the same code that millions of tourists do every year.

What exactly do these critics want? Should she have walked into a mosque in a lehenga for their comfort? Or perhaps worn jeans to make them feel “modern”? This double standard reeks of insecurity - the need to police women while pretending to protect culture.

Here’s the part trolls conveniently forget: Deepika Padukone has always shown deep respect for Indian culture. There are countless images of her visiting temples in traditional attire, her hands folded in prayer. She has represented India at international platforms with dignity and grace, embodying the idea of a modern Indian woman - grounded in her roots, yet unafraid to express herself.

So, when she wears a hijab in a mosque abroad, she isn’t “changing sides” - she’s showing the same cultural empathy that defines her everywhere she goes. That’s not hypocrisy. That’s class.

But of course, empathy doesn’t trend as fast as outrage. It’s far easier to sit behind a screen and call a woman “too this” or “too that.” Because when a woman owns her freedom, it challenges the fragile egos of those who can’t stand to see her comfortable in her skin - or her choices.

If you’re still offended by what Deepika wears, the problem isn’t with her hijab, her bikini, or her lehenga.

The problem is with your mindset.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone joins Ranveer Singh to ‘Experience Abu Dhabi’ in the latest global campaign

Dubai has officially been blessed with the presence of The Kareena Kapoor Khan, and honestly, the fashion world hasn't been the same since. Attending an event for Fable & Mane, the Ayurvedic hair wellness brand where she reigns as the first-ever Global Ambassador, Bebo didn't just walk onto the red carpet—she owned it. Forget your basic black dresses; this look, conceptualized by the style sorceress Rhea Kapoor, is a masterclass in Minimalist Maximalism and a total blueprint for evening power dressing.

The Look: A Rahul Mishra Couture Masterpiece Kareena dripped in a custom couture creation by the globally renowned Rahul Mishra. For the uninitiated, Mishra is a Paris Haute Couture Week regular, celebrated for his commitment to slow fashion and breathtakingly intricate hand embroidery and 3D artistry. This gown is a testament to that legacy.

The silhouette is classic Bebo: sleek, sophisticated, and utterly commanding. Crafted in a rich, deep-hued fabric (likely a luxurious velvet or matte satin), the gown featured a clean, figure-hugging line that pooled elegantly on the floor, allowing the actress’s Main Character Energy to do all the talking.

But let’s get into the real statement piece: The Architectural Sleeves.

In true couture fashion, the gown was designed with dramatic, voluminous sleeves crafted from a sheer, almost gossamer fabric, which are instantly recognizable as Rahul Mishra's signature. These aren't just sleeves; they are sculptural wings of delicate embroidery, adding a spectacular, almost gothic-glam flair to the overall ensemble. They provided the high-octane drama necessary for a global brand ambassador moment, without needing any extraneous bling.

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The Accessories: Strategic Slay The genius of Rhea Kapoor lies in her approach to styling a major look: Let the couture breathe. The accessories were chosen with surgical precision, offering light and sparkle where the dress was deep and dramatic.

Jewelry: Kareena skipped the necklace entirely (smart move—the neckline was perfection) and opted for breathtaking Mehta & Sons’ statement earrings. Their subtle sparkle and clean design perfectly framed her face, complementing the drama of the sleeves instead of competing with it. A bold cocktail ring from ABFJewels completed the hand stack.

Footwear: Keeping the foundation flawless, she grounded the look with chic, black heels from Saint Laurent, proving that a classic luxury shoe is the ultimate power move. The Beauty Moment: The Bebo Glow The hair and makeup, handled by Cristiano Pereira and Tanvi Chemburkar, mirrored the outfit's balance of power and polish. Her signature skin glowed, anchored by a subtly smoky eye that enhanced her intense gaze. The hair was pulled back—likely a sleek, voluminous high ponytail or a tight low bun—to ensure maximum focus remained on the jaw-dropping architectural sleeves and her sharp neckline. The Verdict Kareena Kapoor Khan’s look for the Fable & Mane event is a certified SLAY. It’s effortlessly chic, deeply couture, and showcases the symbiotic relationship between a global icon, an avant-garde designer, and a visionary stylist. She didn't just wear an outfit; she wore a piece of art that screamed, "I Ate, No Crumb Left." Gen Z, take notes: This is how you command a room.

Also Read: Saif Ali Khan spills the beans on falling in love with Kareena Kapoor Khan; says, “She was kind and warm. We used to go for these long walks, and she’d ask me a lot of questions…”

Ahaan Panday’s debut in Saiyaara introduced him as a promising new talent to watch. Now, he is set to team up with Sharvari for director Ali Abbas Zafar’s next untitled film. As previously reported, the two actors will lead this upcoming project backed by Aditya Chopra, and the film will begin shooting in the UK.

According to a new report by Pinkvilla, filming is scheduled to start in March 2026. Described as a stylish action-romance with emotional depth, the film is expected to showcase the kind of storytelling Ali Abbas Zafar is known for. The report quoted a source sharing, “Ahaan Panday and Sharvari are all set to kick off the shoot in the UK, with detailed planning already underway. From scouting locations to finalizing the music and prepping the scenes, the team is fully geared up for the project.”

Zafar, known for directing hit films like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, is taking a new direction with this fresh on-screen pairing. Ahaan Panday, who made a strong impression in Saiyaara opposite Aneet Padda, has quickly gained attention as a rising actor in the new generation. Sharvari, too, has been steadily building her career with notable performances in Maharaj and Munjya.

The upcoming film marks the fifth collaboration between Ali Abbas Zafar and producer Aditya Chopra. Their previous projects together include Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai. Each film combined mass appeal with compelling storytelling, and expectations are already high for what this next venture will deliver.

With a new lead pair, a proven director-producer team, and a genre that blends action and romance, this untitled film is shaping up to be one of the anticipated releases on the horizon.

Also Read: Sharvari to star opposite Ahaan Panday in Ali Abbas Zafar’s untitled action romance: Report

Bollywood Hungama has been at the forefront in giving updates about Dhurandhar. Last week, we informed readers about what one can expect from the asset of the film, which will be released by the makers, Jio Studios and B62 Studios, around the festival of Diwali. And now, we are back with another exciting update straight from the sets of one of the highly anticipated films of 2025.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “The lead actor of Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh, has wrapped up the shooting of his portions. Ranveer has given his all to this role and his last day on the set was very emotional and also fun-filled.”

The source further said, “However, the shoot of the film is yet to be completed. 2 days of Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna’s shoot is left. It’ll be completed soon. The makers had the aim to wrap up the filming by October 15 and that plan seems to be on.”

The source also added, “Another plan which is also on is to bring the film in cinemas on December 5. Contrary to what a section of the industry speculated, Dhurandhar is not postponed. As of now, there’s no change in plan, and the post-production is going on in full swing. Moreover, the Diwali asset will also prominently mention the release date of the film.”

Besides Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt and Akshaye Khanna, Dhurandhar also stars R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal and Sara Arjun. It is directed by Aditya Dhar of Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019) fame.

Last week, Bollywood Hungama had shared details about the Diwali promo, “The first look featured a version of the song ‘Jogi’ aka ‘Na De Dil Pardesi Nu’. The next asset will feature another recreated version of the song. But it's more fast-paced and the visuals are also cut on the same lines. The first look promo gave an idea about the world of Dhurandhar. The Diwali asset will give a little more glimpse into this world and the characters. However, there are no dialogues even this time. The idea of the makers is simple – build on the momentum of the first look, but at the same time, don’t give out too much about the film.”

Also Read: Ranveer Singh meets Adrien Brody and NBA legends at 2025 pre-season game in Abu Dhabi

As the debate around work-life balance and humane work hours in the Indian entertainment industry continues to heat up-especially after reports of actress Deepika Padukone requesting structured work guidelines post-motherhood—filmmaker Hansal Mehta has added a compelling perspective to the conversation.

In a detailed note shared on social media platform X, the Scam 1992 director reflected on the demanding nature of the industry and the toll it takes on artists, technicians, and crew members alike. His words resonated deeply across the creative community, shedding light on the exhausting work culture that many have long accepted as “normal.”

Mehta began his post by addressing the long-standing reality of relentless work hours in the business. “In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a ‘shift.’ The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this equation? Weekends are rarely weekends. Breaks are looked down upon. Somewhere along the way exhaustion became normalised and rest became a privilege.”

He further questioned the very structure of the entertainment sector, calling out its dependence on overworked professionals. “Sometimes I wonder: can this really be called an industry if it runs on the relentless draining of its people? The hardest hit are those who have the least power - the daily wagers. They are always the first to arrive and the last to leave surviving in conditions we’d call inhuman anywhere else.”

The filmmaker didn’t limit his observations to cinema alone, expanding his critique to television and OTT production as well. “On television it’s worse and now even OTT and films have slipped into the same pattern. We often celebrate the arrival of global corporations believing they’ll bring better systems. But more often than not they simply adapt to the broken ones we already have. Because it’s profitable.”

In our line of work, a 12-hour day is politely called a “shift.” The truth is, between the chaos of shoots, the endless commute, hurried meals and barely a few hours of broken sleep, there’s little left of us. Where does our mental health or physical well-being fit into this… — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) October 10, 2025

Mehta ended his note with a strong message about empathy and systemic change, writing, “I truly believe that if we cared about well-being, ours and especially those who hold up the base of this pyramid we’d not only work better, but live better. The irony is that quality, efficiency, and even profit would follow. But first, we need to stop scoffing at the simple idea of rest. Because without that, what are we really building?”

Hansal Mehta’s statement has sparked widespread discussions online, with several voices from within the industry echoing his sentiments. As the conversation around fair work practices gains traction, his words serve as a crucial reminder of the need for balance and reform in an industry often driven by relentless pace and pressure.

Also Read: Hansal Mehta slams rumours about launching Rajkumar Hirani’s son, opens up about Dil Pe Mat Le Yaar fiasco