Working with a superstar often comes with its share of challenges, and filmmaker AR Murugadoss recently reflected on his experience directing Salman Khan in the 2025 movie Sikandar. The director revealed that the actor’s unusual work schedule, particularly his preference for arriving on set only in the evening, forced the crew to reorganise shoots and even capture daytime sequences at night—a difficulty that became especially demanding for child artists.

Long nights on set

Speaking in a YouTube podcast with Valaipechu Voice, Murugadoss shared his candid thoughts on managing shoots with the 59-year-old Bollywood star. He admitted that collaborating with Salman was “not easy” because of his distinct working habits.

According to the director, the Tiger 3 actor, generally turned up to the set at around 8 pm, meaning that the crew—who were used to beginning early in the morning—often had to shoot day scenes late at night. This adjustment, Murugadoss explained, became one of the biggest challenges faced during production.

Pressure on child artists

Murugadoss further noted that Salman’s late timings affected not only the crew but also his co-actors, particularly children. Recalling incidents from the shoot, the 50-year-old filmmaker said that youngsters sometimes had to perform at 2:00 am, even for sequences that were meant to show them returning from school. Many struggled to stay awake during the extended schedules.

Salman Khan’s clarification

Earlier this year, Salman addressed reports about his unconventional schedule in an interview with India Today. He explained that while his “timings are different”, he makes it a point not to waste time once he is on set. The actor stressed that he avoids returning to his vanity van or remaining idle, maintaining what he considers his own form of discipline at work.