Why are some people punctual, others not? We find out

Bollywood director Anees Bazmee spills the tea on working with superstars Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar (Source: Instagram)

Acclaimed director Anees Bazmee, known for films like Singh Is King and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, has collaborated with Bollywood’s biggest stars. In a recent interview, he revealed some interesting insights into working with Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, two actors known for their contrasting work styles.

“Akshay is a very punctual man,” Bazmee shared with Lehren Retro. “We are always worried when working with him because if he says we’ll start working at 7 am, then he will be there at 7 am. And we are not used to waking up at 6-7 am. So we have to work hard when working with him. But we really enjoy that he comes on time and finishes up all the work.”

Bazmee then contrasted this with his experience working with the Dabangg actor. “Sometimes, we are too relaxed with Salman bhai because he will show up at around 1 pm, will have lunch but then he will stay until the end of the day. I have trained under Raj Kapoor where we would work all night long, so I really like it when the day starts at 2 pm.”

Bazmee’s comments highlight the diversity of personalities in the world. While some actors, like Akshay Kumar, value punctuality, others, like Salman Khan, prefer a more relaxed schedule. Why is it so?

According to Dr Neerja Agarwal, Psychologist and Co-founder of Emoneeds, punctuality stems from various factors, including personality traits, upbringing, cultural influences, and individual experiences.

“Conscientiousness, one of the Big Five personality traits, is strongly linked to punctuality. Individuals high in conscientiousness tend to be organized, dependable, and disciplined, making them more likely to be punctual,” she said.

Upbringing and cultural norms also play significant roles. Those raised in environments where punctuality is valued may internalise these norms, and personal experiences that highlight the consequences of being late can reinforce punctual behavior, added Dr Agarwal.

How do ensure you can work well with someone tardy as a hyper-punctual person?

For a harmonious relationship between punctual and non-punctual individuals, mutual understanding and communication are crucial.

According to Dr Agarwal, both parties should discuss their expectations and feelings about time, finding common ground and compromising where necessary.

“Respecting differences and not taking lateness personally helps reduce tension. Setting clear expectations for important events while allowing flexibility for less critical ones can balance needs,” she added.

Utilising reminders can help non-punctual individuals manage time better, while punctual individuals can offer gentle, non-judgmental reminders. By acknowledging and respecting their differences, individuals can maintain a peaceful and cooperative relationship.