Anupama Solanki sheds light on the intense demands of the entertainment industry, revealing how it affects both the mind and body.
She stresses that prioritising well-being is crucial for anyone hoping to sustain a long-term career in showbiz.
Anupama Solanki, who has been part of shows like Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Nath – Krishna Aur Gauri Ki Kahani, Kuch Reet Jagat Ki Aisi Hai, Jamuniya, and currently seen in Jagriti – Ek Nayi Subah, believes that while every profession comes with its share of challenges, the entertainment industry stands out as one of the most demanding.
Acting is one of the most challenging professions
Anupama Solanki explains, “In a regular job, especially in the corporate world, you have fixed working hours—be it 6 am to 9 am, or 10 am to 11 am. Once your work is done, you return home and switch off. But in acting, those boundaries simply don’t exist.”
She adds, “Acting is one of the most challenging professions. A writer can submit their script from a hill station like Shimla. If a director falls ill, their assistant can take over.
Even technicians—cameramen, light men—can be replaced. But an actor? There’s no substitute. The pressure is immense, and maintaining consistency in this field requires relentless discipline and effort.”
She observes that the stress actors face today is far greater than what it used to be. “Back in the day, actors like Sanjeev Kumar were revered despite not fitting into today’s physical ideals.
Dharmendra had a little paunch, Amitabh Bachchan was lean, Jeetendra was slim—and yet they were hugely successful. It was their talent that mattered, not their waistline. The focus was on performance, not appearance,” Anupama Solanki says.
“These days, there’s an unrelenting expectation to maintain a specific appearance,” she continues. “You’re expected to be youthful, fit, and flawless—six-pack abs, glowing skin, perfect hair.
That means following a strict diet, intense workouts, regular skincare routines, and constant self-monitoring. And if the stress causes breakouts or hair fall, that leads to even more anxiety.”
Anupama points out that stress has become a constant companion for everyone in the television ecosystem. Anupama Solanki notes, “Producers, writers, the entire crew—they’re all under constant pressure to meet channel deadlines. Daily episodes must be delivered, and actors often bear the brunt of that burden.”
Even film actors, she adds, aren’t immune to this pressure
She says, “Unless you’re someone like Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan, the journey is long and taxing for most. Preparing for roles, staying in character, handling long shoot hours—it’s mentally and physically exhausting.”
For this reason, she believes it’s vital to prioritise personal health. Anupama Solanki shares, “You need to pause, enjoy the little things, and learn to disconnect. Respect your limits and listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If something as simple as tea gives you acidity, stop having it. Listen to your body—it knows best.”
Anupama believes the stress in the industry is only going to increase in the coming years. Anupama Solanki says, “In such a high-pressure environment, self-care isn’t optional—it’s survival. Go on a holiday, indulge in your favorite food, take a break without guilt. And don’t hesitate to tell your production house that you’re stepping away for your well-being.”
She leaves a strong message, urging that in this line of work, looking after both mental and physical well-being isn’t optional—it’s essential.
