Amidst discussions on work culture in India, actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut voiced her opinion on normalizing an "obsessive work culture" in the country, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to the nation's progress. Ranaut emphasized the need to move away from the Western notion of waiting for weekends and Monday blues, asserting that India, as a developing nation, cannot afford boredom or laziness.

Ranaut's remarks come amidst a broader discourse on work productivity and competitiveness on the global stage. Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy's advocacy for a 70-hour workweek and Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company's Managing Director Nilesh Shah's endorsement of a 12-hour workday have fueled this debate. Murthy highlighted the need to enhance work productivity and reduce bureaucratic delays to compete effectively with nations like Japan and Germany.

Shah echoed similar sentiments, stressing the potential of extended work hours to accelerate India's growth trajectory and uplift people to middle and upper-income levels. He referenced Murthy's remarks and emphasized the necessity for Indians to adopt a work ethic akin to that of countries like Korea, China, and Japan.

While Ranaut's call for an obsessive work culture aligns with these sentiments, it has elicited mixed reactions. Some applaud her advocacy for a strong work ethic, while others express concerns about the impact of prolonged work hours on mental health and work-life balance.

Ranaut's stance on work culture is situated within the broader context of her political debut as a BJP candidate in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Winning her first-ever election in Himachal Pradesh's Mandi constituency, she has emerged as a significant voice in the political arena, further amplifying her influence on social and cultural discourse.