‘Sanjay Dutt was freaking out’: Rajat Bedi recalls waiting hours for Govinda on Jodi No. 1 set; how one person’s delay can impact team morale

The confusion only grew when they learnt that Govinda wasn’t even at home but flying in from Hyderabad. “In those days, nobody would know where he was because he used to do four or five shifts a day. So at 3, Chi Chi (Govinda) came to the set, and when the assistant brought the scene to Sanjay, he realised he had many dialogues. Sanju started abusing the assistant and told him, ‘Give these lines to Govinda, I’m not doing this.’ The entire scene was changed on the spot. But when Govinda began shooting, he wrapped it all up in just two hours. He’s a performer.”

So, when a team member delays work for everyone else, how can managers or colleagues address it?

Counselling psychologist Athul Raj tells indianexpress.com, “Overcommitment often comes from insecurity or the need to prove oneself. But when it starts holding the team back, it becomes a leadership concern. The key is to separate intent from impact. The person may not mean harm, yet the pattern affects everyone. Managers should address it early and privately, with empathy and clarity.”

 

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Colleagues can also set boundaries respectfully, as silence only builds frustration. Raj notes that open conversation restores trust and accountability without creating conflict.

How does waiting or being forced into inactivity at work affect motivation, morale, and overall productivity?

Few things are as draining as being ready to work but forced to wait. “It sends an unspoken message that your time doesn’t matter. Over time, that sense of powerlessness erodes motivation and sparks frustration. Sanjay’s reaction is deeply human. When control over our schedule is stripped away, the mind interprets it as a personal slight,” explains Raj.

He adds that the healthiest way to cope is to “reclaim control internally.” Use the pause to reset: take a walk, breathe, read, or plan the next step. It’s not about suppressing anger but redirecting it. Waiting can feel wasted, or it can become a moment of reflection and composure. That choice restores agency and calm.

How should teams balance valuing someone’s talent or efficiency with holding them accountable for professionalism?

Talent is a gift, Raj says, but professionalism is a responsibility. “Teams can celebrate brilliance, but not at the cost of fairness. When one person’s time is treated as more valuable than everyone else’s, it quietly damages morale. True respect values both skill and reliability.”

The healthiest culture is one where excellence and accountability go hand in hand. “Great performance earns admiration, but respect for others’ time earns trust. Balancing skill with professional courtesy is what sustains teams — on a film set or in any workplace,” concludes the expert.