Aditya Narayan Reveals Personal Burnout, Calls for Industry Reform Amid Padukone '8-Hour Shift' Debate

Following Kumar Sanu's support for Deepika Padukone's decision to leave "Spirit" due to demanding shoot schedules, Aditya Narayan has shared his perspective on industry burnout, nepotism, and the urgent need for systemic reform. In an exclusive interview, he discussed his own experiences, views on independent music, and the significance of speaking out with integrity.

Aditya Narayan addresses industry burnout.

When asked about whether the music industry and film sets should adopt reforms similar to the 8-hour shooting day advocated by Kumar Sanu, Aditya responded emphatically.

"Yes, absolutely. We glorify hustle to the point of harm. Burnout is real — I’ve lived it. Whether it’s endless shoots or overnight dubbings, the pressure can be immense. The creative process needs rest, reflection, and respect for people’s well-being. An exhausted artist may deliver a product, but rarely art."

Addressing the challenges faced by independent artists in light of Sonu Nigam's fight against alleged 'music mafia' structures in Bollywood, Aditya noted:

"There’s some space now — more than before — but it’s still not enough. The gatekeeping hasn’t vanished; it’s just taken new forms. Independent artists need more platforms, transparency, and respect. We shouldn’t have to fight so hard just to be heard. The system still needs shaking up, and the audience is the real disruptor now."

Regarding the responsibility of celebrities to speak out on sensitive topics, Aditya stated:

"I believe every artist should speak when moved by conscience — not for noise, but for truth. That said, not everyone is built the same. Some heal through silence, others through speech. What matters is the intention. If it comes from love and empathy, then even disagreement can lead to dialogue, not division."

On the issue of nepotism and whether the digital age has leveled the playing field for outsiders, he commented:

"Nepotism exists — that’s reality. But today, talent can bypass it. If you have a voice, a vision, and the will to keep showing up, the digital space can open doors. That said, the emotional cost for outsiders is still higher. The system needs to support newcomers better, but the audience — now more than ever — is in charge of writing the real story."