The actor’s remarks add to growing artist calls for timely payments in the entertainment industry
Romaisa Khan has joined Pakistani celebrities calling out the film industry for untimely payment for their work. She agreed that we cannot deny that late payment exists in the industry and shared her view on the matter in a recent interview.
“I feel like it’s your own money and you shouldn’t have to beg for it over and over again,” Romaisa said. The Hadsa actress shared that it is something she herself struggles with a lot. “I often don’t get paid because of this because I feel so hesitant and shy about asking for it. I just let it go and my friends and family are angry on my behalf.”
The actor’s statement was part of a larger issue that many industry insiders like director Mehreen Jabbar, veteran actor Mohammed Ahmed and actors Ahmed Ali Butt, Ramsha Khan, Nadia Afgan, Yasir Hussain and Alizeh Shah have pointed out.
Earlier, Mahira Khan had shed light on the struggles of technicians in the film industry back in September. She took to her Instagram story and reminded us of the scale of the problem. “Imagine if senior actors and hit maker directors go through this,” she said. “Imagine what technicians go through.”
Before then, Mehreen had burst the bubble of those who were under the impression that a career in the television industry equates to a blooming bank account in July. “Our drama industry has developed a lot and there has been a very high viewership,” she said during an interview. “But behind the scenes there are a lot of compromises and this industry operates in a very unprofessional way. That’s the sad part.”
Then Mohammed thanked Mehreen for starting the conversion back in July. On Instagram, he said, “Mehreen has spoken very clearly about the system and the drama industry and it makes me so happy. She spoke out clearly what I have been quietly saying for years.” The Cake actor said that a delay of three to four months is extremely normal.
Supporting Mehreen’s beggar analogy, Mohammed continued: “You basically have to fold your hands and ask them to pay you. Then they’ll throw a check your way, all the while giving the impression that they’re doing you a massive favor just because they’ve decided to pay you. In every project, I feel like their goal is to make actors beg for money. It destroys your dignity.”
Ahmed also criticized the industry’s recurring problem of late payments. “Late payment is an industry standard,” he said in an Instagram story in July. “Production houses, TV channels and corporate sponsors all have a 60 to 90-day payment clause and that is hardly ever met on time.”
He added: “There are a few rare people who will pay you on time, otherwise everyone will make sure you have to beg for your money, and that too in installments.” On a lighter note, the actor said: “Work for YouTube. Be your own boss.”
