Recently, Neha Kakkar’s late arrival at her Melbourne concert made headlines, sparking debate over celebrity punctuality. While unforeseen circumstances can sometimes cause delays, it raises an interesting question: Are all celebrities habitual latecomers? Surprisingly, many Bollywood stars have built a reputation for their impeccable time management.
Despite the widespread notion that celebrities operate on their own schedules, some major stars are known for their discipline. According to veteran director Amol Palekar, legends like Dev Anand and Amitabh Bachchan were always on time, never letting stardom interfere with their professionalism.
Director Anees Bazmee has also praised Akshay Kumar, calling him "a very punctual man." Kumar is known for his early morning shoots, rigorous work ethic, and wrapping up schedules well ahead of time. His dedication to discipline has not only earned him respect in the industry but also ensured a smooth workflow on sets.
For every punctual star, there are those who are infamous for keeping people waiting. When a celebrity arrives late, it can disrupt an entire production schedule, leading to financial losses, frustrated co-stars, and exhausted crew members. In live events, like concerts and promotional appearances, fans who pay for tickets and travel long distances are often left disappointed.
Take, for example, instances where Bollywood stars arrived hours late for press conferences or movie shoots. Such behavior can create unnecessary delays, increase production costs, and even impact the overall mood on set. While some actors apologize for their delays, others seem to take it as an accepted part of the celebrity lifestyle.
Not all stars fall into the stereotype of being fashionably late. The disciplined ones follow strict routines, prioritize professionalism, and respect the time of others. Their punctuality comes down to key habits:
Time Management: Planning their schedules meticulously to avoid delays.
Respect for Crew and Fans: Understanding that an entire team or audience is waiting for them.
Strong Work Ethics: Treating their profession with dedication and sincerity.
While fans adore their favorite stars, long delays can test patience. A few minutes might be excusable, but when waiting stretches to hours, frustration kicks in. This leads us to the ultimate question: Would you wait for hours just to see your favorite celebrity? Or should punctuality be an expectation, not a privilege, even in Bollywood?
One thing is clear—being late is not a universal celebrity trait, and punctuality remains a sign of professionalism in any industry.