What Anil Kapoor’s life was like in 1989: ‘Working for 16-18 hours every day’

In his 1989 interview featured on BBC2's The Bollywood Story, Anil Kapoor revealed the grueling schedule he maintained throughout his career. The Mr. India star explained that his day typically commenced with his family, followed by a dedicated hour for them. Despite his demanding career, Kapoor made a point to balance personal life with professional commitments.

When he began his acting career, he married and had children, a choice that initially drew criticism from the press. However, Kapoor believed that focusing on good work was far more rewarding than seeking attention for personal milestones. Kapoor often arrived at film sets early, and after completing his work, he attended various media events, campaigns, and store openings to build his image.

He admitted to working 16-18 hours daily to stay competitive, despite only being involved in about 12 films at the time while his peers were working on 40 or 50. Psychologists suggest that extended work hours can lead to burnout, poor decision-making, and emotional fatigue. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, experts recommend taking meaningful breaks, engaging in activities outside of work, and nurturing personal fulfillment through self-care, exercise, hobbies, and quality time with loved ones.