Hiten Tejwani opens up about his early struggles, sleepless nights, and how perseverance turned his dreams into success.
Popular television actor Hiten Tejwani recently shared heartfelt memories of his early career struggles. Known for his memorable performances in shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kutumb, and Pavitra Rishta, Hiten revealed how difficult his initial years were in the television industry. He said there were times when he worked for nearly twenty-two hours at a stretch and barely found time to go home.
Born on March 5, 1974, in Mumbai, Hiten comes from a Sindhi family and began his professional journey as a model before entering the world of television. His natural charm, sincerity, and relatable on-screen presence soon earned him recognition and a strong fan base across India. Over the years, he went on to act in many successful shows such as Kasautii Zindagii Kay, Balika Vadhu, and even participated in reality series like Bigg Boss 11. He also appeared in films including Joggers’ Park and Anwar, gradually becoming one of the most respected and dependable names in Indian entertainment.
Long Hours and Sleepless Nights on Set
Hiten opened up about the intense schedules during his early television days, explaining that he hardly got the chance to rest. He recalled that his daily routine would often begin in the morning and continue until the next dawn. His official call time might have been from nine in the morning to nine at night, but shoots frequently stretched well past midnight. Sometimes he would finish at five in the morning, only to start the next shift a couple of hours later.
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There were days when Hiten did not go home for several nights in a row. He admitted that during one particular month while working on the popular show Kutumb, he handled continuous double shifts and worked close to twenty-two hours every day. For that month of relentless effort, he received a payment of one lakh rupees, which he then considered a major milestone. Despite the exhaustion, he said he felt proud because it proved his determination to make a mark in the industry.
Exhaustion and a Close Call
The demanding schedule eventually affected his health and routine. Hiten shared that even his drivers found it impossible to keep up with his unpredictable hours and ended up quitting. This forced him to drive himself after long shoots. In one such instance, he briefly fell asleep behind the wheel and hit a divider. Thankfully, he escaped without serious injury, but it made him realise how difficult the situation had become.
He also recalled moments when he had to sleep right on the studio floor because there was simply no time to return home. He remembered how some crew members would quietly switch off the lights to allow him to rest between takes. Those small gestures, he said, helped him push through some of the toughest days of his career.
Lessons Learned from the Struggle
Hiten looks back at those challenging times with gratitude rather than regret. He believes that his years of struggle taught him patience, hard work, and resilience. Reflecting on those early days, he said that although the job was exhausting, it helped him achieve success faster than a conventional career might have. The discipline and experience he gained during that period shaped him into the professional he is today.
Changing Work Culture in the Industry
According to Hiten, the television industry has changed significantly since those early years. Today, actors and crew members have greater awareness about the importance of rest and health. He explained that audiences can easily notice fatigue on an actor’s face, which is why maintaining a balance between work and rest has become essential. Productions are now better organised, and the long, continuous shifts that were once common are much less frequent.
From Sleepless Nights to Lasting Success
Hiten Tejwani’s journey from sleeping on studio floors to becoming one of India’s most admired television actors is a story of hard work and perseverance. His success did not come overnight but through years of dedication, discipline, and belief in himself. Even after more than two decades in the entertainment industry, he continues to work in television shows, films, and web series with the same passion that defined his early years.
His story is a reminder that behind every successful actor lies a journey filled with struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering determination. Hiten’s experience captures the unseen reality of show business, where the glamour on screen is built upon countless hours of unseen effort and commitment.
