Keerthy Suresh on Actor and Crew Work Hours: “Even an 8-Hour Shift Isn’t Enough for Proper Sleep

Mumbai, 27 Nov 2025: South Indian superstar and National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh has shed light on the grueling work schedules of actors and film crew members, sparking a new debate on the topic of on-set working hours. During the promotions of her upcoming film “Revolver Rita” in Hyderabad, Keerthy explained that even an ideal 8-hour work shift does not provide actors with sufficient sleep.

The 33-year-old actress, daughter of veteran filmmaker-actor G. Suresh Kumar, revealed the challenges faced by actors in managing their schedules. “For a 9 a.m. shift, I need to reach the set by 7:30 a.m., which means leaving home by 6:30 a.m., after waking up at 5:30 a.m. By the time I wrap up around 6 or 6:30 p.m., I have to get home, change, exercise, have dinner, and still try to get enough sleep,” she said.

Struggling for Adequate Rest
Keerthy highlighted the reality of on-set routines: “Even in this so-called ideal 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift, we barely manage six hours of sleep. An adult needs about eight hours of rest, but that rarely happens for actors.” She added that going to bed at 11:30 p.m. only to wake up at 5:30 a.m. has become a common struggle for her.

Attention to Crew Members Too
Keerthy also pointed out the demanding schedules of crew members, particularly lightmen, who often sleep for just 2-3 hours. “Sleep is as important as food or exercise. These are the people who arrive on set before the actors,” she remarked, emphasizing the physical and mental toll on the entire production team.

By sharing her firsthand experience, Keerthy has sparked a conversation about the need for healthier work schedules in the film industry, highlighting that even an “ideal” shift is far from enough to meet basic human rest requirements.