In the wake of recent propositions to normalise extensive work hours in India, Bollywood actor and Bharatiya Janata Part Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has voiced her support for an "obsessive work culture", stating that India cannot afford to embrace leisurely weekends.
Ranaut's comments come amid a broader debate ignited by notable figures, such as Infosys Ltd. Co-founder Narayana Murthy and Kotak Mutual Fund Managing Director Nilesh Shah advocating for extended work hours to boost the nation's productivity and economic growth.
Ranaut took to Instagram to express her views, challenging the notion of weekends as a product of "western brainwashing." In a story on Instagram, she emphasised the imperative for Indians to adopt a relentless work ethic, aligning herself with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent commitment to tirelessly work towards India's development goals.
"We need to normalise obsessive work culture and stop with waiting for the weekends and complaining about Mondays memes. That's all western brainwashing; we are not a developed nation yet, and we can't afford to be bored and lazy at all," she captioned her story.
Her remarks echo sentiments previously shared by Murthy, who proposed a 70-hour work week, and Shah, who suggested an 84-hour work week.
"India's work productivity is one of the lowest in the world. Unless we improve our work productivity, we will not be able to compete with those countries that have made tremendous progress. So, therefore, my request is that our youngsters must say 'this is my country. I'd like to work 70 hours a week'," Murthy had said.
Shah's proposal, made during a podcast discussion, spurred heated discussions regarding work-life balance and productivity across social media platforms just last week.
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