Kamal Scolded Me as I was 1 Hr Late, Said ‘It’s Not Right’: Poonam
The world of Bollywood is known for its unpredictable nature, and one of the most common complaints is the frequent tardiness of its stars. Many actors are notorious for being late on sets, and it’s not uncommon for crews to be kept waiting for hours. Actress Poonam Dhillon, who has had a successful career spanning over three decades, recently opened up about her experiences with Bollywood’s notorious latecomers. In an interview, she revealed that her stint in the South Indian film industry with Kamal Haasan taught her the importance of discipline and punctuality.
Poonam, who started her career in the 1980s with films like “Noorie” and “Yeh Dil Aashiqana”, reminisced about her early days in the industry. She mentioned that she was used to Bollywood actors like Rajesh Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha arriving late on sets. “They would show up whenever they wanted, and we would have to adjust our schedules accordingly,” she said. However, after working in the South Indian film industry with Kamal Haasan, Poonam’s perspective on punctuality changed dramatically.
In an interview with a leading publication, Poonam recalled an incident where Kamal Haasan scolded her for being an hour late on set. “I was about an hour late, and Kamal sir was not happy. He told me, ‘The lightmen, cameramen…must’ve woken up at 5am…and you’ve come at 8am…They’ve been waiting. It’s not right.’ I was taken aback, but it was a valuable lesson. After that, I made sure to be on time, every time.”
Poonam’s experience working with Kamal Haasan in the South Indian film industry was a game-changer for her. She credits the veteran actor for teaching her the importance of discipline and respect for others’ time. “Kamal sir was very particular about punctuality, and it rubbed off on me. I realized that being late was not acceptable, and it was affecting not just me but everyone around me.”
Poonam’s remarks are a refreshing change from the usual Bollywood narrative, where actors often get away with being late and unprofessional. Her experience working with Kamal Haasan highlights the importance of discipline and respect for others’ time, even in the entertainment industry.
In contrast, Poonam’s early days in Bollywood were marked by chaos and unpredictability. She recalled how actors like Rajesh Khanna and Shatrughan Sinha would show up late on sets, and the crew would have to adjust their schedules accordingly. “It was a different era, and we were not as organized as we are today,” she said. However, even back then, Poonam realized that being late was not acceptable, and it affected not just her but everyone around her.
Poonam’s remarks are not just a reflection of her own experiences but also a commentary on the changing dynamics of the Bollywood industry. Over the years, the industry has become more organized, and the importance of punctuality and discipline has become more recognized. Actors like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Akshay Kumar are known for their punctuality and professionalism, and it’s not uncommon for them to arrive on sets early.
In conclusion, Poonam Dhillon’s experience with Kamal Haasan is a valuable lesson for anyone in the entertainment industry. Her remarks highlight the importance of discipline, punctuality, and respect for others’ time, even in a chaotic industry like Bollywood. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to remember that being late is not acceptable, and it’s up to each individual to prioritize their time and respect the time of others.
