Producer reveals the acclaimed actors’ contrasting work styles created friction on set, but insists it enhanced their performances in the 2013 indie hit
Producer Guneet Monga has finally addressed long-standing rumors about tensions between the late Irrfan Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui during the filming of the critically acclaimed 2013 film The Lunchbox. In a candid conversation with filmmaker Karan Johar, Monga acknowledged the friction but characterized it as a natural part of the creative process rather than a serious conflict.
“Both have their own format of working,” Monga explained, noting that the on-screen dynamic between the characters—Irrfan’s strict, irritable character and Nawazuddin’s eager-to-please role—extended to the set. “The tension and love are in the script, and they both embraced it. It was a joy to see them work.”
However, Monga was quick to downplay the significance of any discord. “It was not something that was significant. It was a part of the process. Both are genius actors. We saw them at play,” she clarified, adding that the tensions never caused her any concern as a producer.
The producer, who has worked extensively with Siddiqui on multiple projects including Haraamkhor (2017), emphasized the collaborative spirit on the independent production. “Independent film mein aap kitna khafa ho jaaoge? Paise toh hai nahin (How upset can you get in an independent film? There’s no money anyway),” she said with a laugh.
The Lunchbox, which also starred Nimrat Kaur, went on to become one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated independent films, earning international acclaim and launching conversations about the power of smaller, character-driven stories.
Monga also revealed Karan Johar’s crucial role in the film’s success, noting that he not only presented the film in India but also created its memorable tagline: “Can you fall in love with somebody you have never met?” Johar later helped secure a wide release of over 500 screens for the film, significantly expanding its reach beyond the typical 100-screen independent film release.Retry
