Bollywood actor Emraan Hashmi, known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft, recently opened up about the lack of discipline among some actors in the film industry. In a candid revelation, the Tiger 3 star shared his frustration over how certain celebrities fail to respect shooting schedules — with some even skipping sets altogether.
In a recent interview, Emraan recalled his own experiences working with co-stars who would arrive several hours late or sometimes not show up at all. Expressing his disappointment, he said, “Kuch log toh aate bhi nahi hain (Some people don’t even show up). It’s unbelievable how casual some actors can be about other people’s time.”
The actor, who has built a reputation for his punctuality, said he finds it disheartening when others don’t take the same level of responsibility toward the craft. “A film set is a place of hard work and coordination. There are hundreds of people waiting — technicians, crew members, light boys — everyone depends on the schedule. When someone walks in late, it doesn’t just waste time; it disrespects everyone’s effort,” he emphasized.
“I’ve Always Been a Stickler for Time”
Emraan Hashmi, who has been part of the film industry for over two decades, said that professionalism has always been a key part of his work ethic. “I’ve always believed that being on time is a sign of respect. Whether it’s a small film or a big one, the discipline should be the same,” he said.
The actor further revealed that punctuality and preparedness are values he learned early in his career. “When I started out, I didn’t have the luxury of wasting time or resources. So I made sure I was always ready, always on time. It’s not just about being professional — it’s about respecting everyone’s contribution,” Emraan said.
He also mentioned that there have been times when he had to wait for hours because certain actors or technicians failed to turn up as per schedule. “Sometimes you arrive on set at 7 a.m. as planned, and the shoot doesn’t start till noon because people are still ‘getting ready’ or haven’t shown up yet. That’s unfair to those who come prepared,” he remarked.
Bollywood’s Long-Standing Issue with Punctuality
While Emraan refrained from naming anyone, his comments shed light on a long-standing issue within Bollywood — the problem of lateness and indiscipline on sets. For decades, many filmmakers and crew members have complained about certain stars showing up hours behind schedule, causing unnecessary delays and financial losses.
Several producers have even introduced contractual clauses to ensure punctuality, but as Emraan noted, the problem still persists. “Things have improved compared to before, but it’s still not perfect. Some people continue to take things lightly, especially if they think their star power gives them that privilege,” he said candidly.
“Respect for Time Is Respect for the Craft”
Emraan stressed that filmmaking is a collaborative process, and respecting the schedule is part of respecting the art form itself. “When everyone shows up on time, the energy on set is positive and productive. But when one person doesn’t, it affects the entire rhythm. People underestimate how much damage that can do,” he explained.
The actor also shared that he believes audiences today are much smarter and appreciate discipline and authenticity in actors. “You can’t fake professionalism anymore. People notice who takes their work seriously. In the long run, discipline always wins,” he added.
Fans Applaud Emraan’s Candid Take
Fans and film industry professionals quickly resonated with Emraan’s comments, flooding social media with praise for his honesty. Many appreciated that a senior actor like him chose to address an issue that others often ignore. Comments like “Emraan Hashmi is the definition of professionalism” and “Every young actor should learn from him” trended soon after excerpts from his interview went viral.
Industry insiders also supported his stance, acknowledging that tardiness continues to be a frustrating hurdle in maintaining smooth production schedules.
A Veteran Who Leads by Example
Emraan Hashmi, who has consistently reinvented himself through the years — from romantic thrillers like Murder and Jannat to intense performances in Shanghai and Tiger 3 — remains one of the most reliable and hardworking actors in the business.
His words serve as a timely reminder that behind every great film lies discipline, teamwork, and respect for time. And as Emraan aptly put it, “Talent may take you far, but professionalism is what keeps you there.”
A Reflection on Changing Times in Bollywood
While Emraan acknowledged that the new generation of actors is more disciplined, he believes the industry still has a long way to go. “Today’s young actors are far more aware. They train, they come prepared, they’re professional. But the culture of ‘star tantrums’ still exists here and there. Hopefully, it will fade away as the industry evolves,” he said optimistically.
He also mentioned that with the rise of OTT platforms and tighter production schedules, filmmakers are now less tolerant of delays. “Digital productions run on strict timelines. You can’t afford to be late because it affects everything — from shooting permissions to post-production deadlines. That pressure has made some people more responsible, but not everyone has learned the lesson yet,” he added.
