Hollywood Stars Arrive on Time, Indian Celebs Lag Behind

The recent press conference for 'The Odyssey' in Mumbai was a refreshing departure from the norm, with stars Christopher Nolan, Matt Damon, and Tom Holland arriving punctually. This event, scheduled from 11:00 am to 11:30 am, concluded around 11:35 am, impressing journalists accustomed to significant delays at Indian film promotional events. While pre-pandemic delays were typically 45-60 minutes, current events often start 1.5 to 2 hours late.

This consistent tardiness results in an estimated loss of over two full days annually for media professionals. The issue is widely acknowledged but unaddressed, impacting PR teams and frustrating attendees, as seen in a past incident where Nana Patekar walked out of an event due to delays. Greater punctuality would benefit all involved, allowing more time for work or family.

The punctual arrival of global celebrities should be a standard, not an exception. Events like the 'Bholaa' teaser launch in January 2023, which started only 15-20 minutes late, demonstrate that timely starts are achievable. Ultimately, the Indian film industry needs to adopt a culture of respect for everyone's time, moving away from the perception that arriving late is an entitlement.