Check Shah Rukh Khan’s advice on work ethic challenges 90-hour week debate
Mumbai (The Uttam Hindu): As the debate on a 90-hour workweek continues, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's advice on the relentless pursuit of success resurfaced on social media. The actor emphasized sacrificing comfort and relaxation to achieve success. In a 2022 interview, Khan stated that to be successful, a person must be constantly restless, as relaxation is only beneficial for those who do not seek success. Shah Rukh's advice, though similar to what L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan mentioned, had a slightly different context. It focused on dedication and the need to be relentless in the pursuit of success. In the video, SRK said, “If you want to be successful, don’t eat, don’t sleep, don’t rest, do not relax!” He emphasized that achieving success requires giving up the comforts of healthy living and living under pressure. “You cannot be restful and at peace if you want to be successful,” he reiterated, adding, “Aaram haram hai,” meaning rest is forbidden.
Shah Rukh also shared a personal example, saying, “I am very lazy; I like playing video games, spending time with my children, reading books... I want to relax. But I sleep for only 4-5 hours and go to work in the morning, exercise to get the 6-pack body.” He further expressed, “Pain will go but success will not wait.” Addressing those who argue, "life is beyond work," Shah Rukh stated that such an attitude is acceptable only if one does not wish to be successful. "Success does not come until you are completely restless,” he added, quoting APJ Abdul Kalam: “Dream is not that which you see while sleeping; it is something that does not let you sleep.” What did SN Subrahmanyan say? L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan recently advocated for a 90-hour workweek, questioning the need for off days. He humorously asked, “What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can wives stare at their husbands? Get to the office and start working.” He also expressed regret that he could not mandate Sunday work and said he would be “happier” if employees worked on weekends, just as he does.
Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy also sparked the debate on work-life balance, advocating for a 70-hour workweek. However, several leaders from India Inc. have voiced their opposition to such long hours. Rajiv Bajaj, Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, said, “The number of hours worked doesn’t matter, quality of work does. We need a kinder, gentler world more than ever before.” Radhika Gupta, CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, added, “Hard work is a choice. Ambition is a choice. And choices have consequences. Not everybody has to aspire to be a CEO or founder with a mega exit. I know many people who have chosen a less demanding career because time off from work matters to them. No judgments.” Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, remarked, "It’s not about 48, 40 hours, it’s not about 70 hours, it’s not about 90 hours. What output are you delivering even if it’s 10 hours? You can change the world in 10 hours."
