Top Bollywood star came nine hours late on set; Amrish Puri slapped him in public when he arrived

In the glamourous world of Bollywood, stories of on-screen magic often overshadow the tense moments that unfold behind the camera. But every now and then, an incident emerges that reveals a different side of film sets—one that speaks of discipline, frustration, and the clash of two very different personalities. One such moment involved two big names: the late Amrish Puri and Govinda.

A Habitual Delay Meets a Man of Discipline

Govinda, a star known for his effortless comic timing and dance moves, was also notorious for being late to shoots. In contrast stood Amrish Puri—an actor respected not only for his commanding screen presence but also for his off-screen punctuality and professionalism. These two opposing traits clashed one day during a film shoot that became the subject of lasting industry conversation.

According to reports, Amrish Puri had arrived at the set sharply at 9 a.m., ready to shoot. The crew and other cast members waited, but Govinda did not show up for hours. It wasn’t until nearly 6 p.m.—after an agonizing nine-hour wait—that the younger actor finally appeared. The delay reportedly sparked an intense confrontation between the two. In a moment of frustration, Amrish Puri is said to have slapped Govinda in full public view on the set.

Though shocking, the incident was less about personal animosity and more about Amrish Puri’s strict approach to work. Known for his no-nonsense attitude, he upheld values of punctuality and respect for time. Govinda’s repeated delays had evidently pushed the senior actor to his limit.

The altercation sparked media interest, especially since both actors continued to work in the industry afterward. Though Govinda was reportedly upset by the incident and even hesitant to work with Puri again for a time, they never made their differences public in a big way.

Amrish Puri: A Legacy of Strength

Amrish Puri's towering reputation wasn’t just built on roles like Mogambo from Mr. India or Mola Ram from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. It was reinforced by his work ethic. Entering the film industry at the age of 40, he went on to appear in more than 450 films across languages. His dedication to every role—whether villainous or noble—earned him immense respect in India and abroad.

His commitment went far beyond just performance. For the role of Mola Ram, Puri even shaved his head, an iconic look that left a lasting impression internationally. Off-screen, he brought the same seriousness to every assignment.