Veteran Bollywood actress Padmini Kolhapure has made a powerful comeback to the small screen through the television serial Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan. Known for her memorable performances in films like Prem Rog, Woh Saat Din, and Souten, Padmini recently shared her views on long working hours in the entertainment industry, her early career, and the challenges faced by actors today.
Started Acting Early, Left Films by 21
Padmini Kolhapure started acting at a very young age. Her talent came naturally—her grandfather ran a theatre company, and she grew up around music legends like her aunts Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosale. Despite her successful career, she chose to leave acting at the age of 21 after getting married. She said the workload had become too much, with daily 12 to 14-hour shifts, seven days a week.
She explained that during her peak years in the film industry, actors had no breaks. “I was a child, yet I used to stay out from morning 7 to midnight. That too, not for a few days, but for months and years,” she said. “Now, even if someone works for 10 to 15 days at a stretch, they feel tired. So, when I got married, I decided to stop acting.”
The Struggle of Long Shooting Shifts
Now, as the Senior Vice President of the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA), Padmini is actively raising her voice for better work conditions in the industry. She believes it is time to set limits on working hours. “Acting is not just physical work, it is mental too. You give so much emotion in a single shot. When shoots go on till midnight, it affects your health and performance,” she said.
She also shared how hard it gets to work on a television show where daily shooting for 12-14 hours is common. She wants this system to change. “We’ve been pushing for 8-hour shifts. It’s high time that big stars join this effort too,” she added.
The Industry Has Changed But Pressures Remain
Padmini also spoke about the changes in the film industry over the years. While today’s audiences and filmmakers talk more about women-led stories, she feels that the kind of strong roles offered to female actors in her time are not seen as much today. “Back then, we had stories like Prem Rog and Insaaf Ka Tarazu, which addressed serious issues like sexual abuse and widow remarriage. Today, only a few actresses get meaningful roles. Competition has increased, and casting is often about availability, not suitability,” she explained.
She said that during her era, there were fewer heroines, but each one had her own space. Today, with hundreds of actresses entering the industry, only a handful make it to the top. According to her, directors in her time would write roles first and then look for the perfect fit. Now, the focus seems more on who is available.
No Regrets, Just Missed One Dream Role
When asked about regrets, Padmini said she had none. However, she admitted she always wished to work with filmmaker Yash Chopra and actor Amitabh Bachchan, but never got that chance. “That remains a little unfulfilled dream,” she shared. Despite this, she feels satisfied with her journey.
Filming Sensitive Scenes at a Young Age
Padmini was only 15–16 years old when she acted in films that had bold or emotional themes. She recalled scenes from Prem Rog and Insaaf Ka Tarazu, where she had to perform with maturity despite her young age. “It all depends on the director,” she said. “Back then, we had directors like Raj Kapoor and BR Chopra, who made films with passion and purpose. They didn’t think about box office first. Their aim was to tell good stories.”
She also shared a sweet memory about her first shot with Rishi Kapoor. “I was nervous because I had to fall into his arms for a song. I was a big fan of Rishi ji. But he made me feel at ease instantly,” she said.
Why She Chose ‘Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan’ for Her Return
After staying away from television for nearly 11 years, Padmini chose the historical drama Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan for her comeback. She said she felt connected to the role of the Rajmata from the beginning. “It had depth, grace, and power. These kinds of characters are rare, and I knew I wanted to do it,” she said.
She also explained why historical dramas attract her. After acting in Panipat, she discovered her interest in bringing stories of Indian heroes to life. “We need to tell these stories to the new generation,” she said. “When I was flying to Patna for the shoot, I saw young people who had never heard of these brave figures. That’s when I knew it’s important.”
Acting is Still Her First Love
Even though she took a long break, Padmini said she never fell out of love with acting. “People often ask why I started working again. The truth is, acting is the only thing I know and love. I can’t stay away from it forever,” she said.
Now, as a senior in the industry, she hopes to not only perform meaningful roles but also make a difference behind the scenes. She wants to help improve work conditions and guide young actors to handle the stress that comes with fame and long hours.
