While the entertainment industry dazzles with glitz and glamour, behind the scenes, a troubling reality is emerging: the frequent delay of payments to actors and crew. The latest to speak out on this issue is Suno Chanda star Nadia Afgan, who recently took to Instagram to express her frustration over the ongoing issue of late payments. “I have literally stopped working with everyone except for two production houses only because every production delays payment,” she revealed. Despite the growing success of local dramas, particularly with the rise of international audiences on YouTube, actors like Nadia are still forced to repeatedly demand their dues.
Nadia’s frustration highlights a broader problem in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, where timely compensation is rare, and royalties are non-existent. Even though channels are profiting heavily from platforms like YouTube, many actors and crew members face financial uncertainty, often waiting months to receive their payment. “We don’t get royalties,” Nadia lamented, noting how unfair it is that, while channels profit, the workers are left chasing after their rightful earnings.
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This is not an isolated complaint. Recently, DuniyaPur actors Khushhal Khan and Ramsha Khan also opened up about this issue in an interview with BBC Asian Network. They acknowledged that while they were paid promptly for their latest project, this was an exception, not the norm. “It’s disrespectful not to pay on time,” Khushhal stated, emphasizing the dedication that actors put into their work. He, like many others, felt that the industry’s failure to honor financial commitments devalues their efforts.
Ramsha Khan, in particular, shared her frustration with the widespread nature of this issue, explaining that some actors have given up fighting for their payments after waiting years. However, she remains adamant about not working until she is properly compensated, standing firm despite the potential impact on her reputation. “When it comes to me, I either tell them that my payment is due, or I just don’t show up on set,” she explained. Khushhal echoed her sentiments, acknowledging that while not showing up isn’t ideal, it sometimes becomes the only option to make a point.
The candid statements from Nadia, Ramsha, and Khushhal shed light on the challenges within the entertainment industry, where delayed payments have become an unfortunate norm. It remains to be seen whether these public discussions will spark lasting change or if the industry will continue to neglect the rights of its cast and crew.
