Veteran Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh has revealed that he initially refused to accept payment for his role in the Bollywood film Om Shanti Om. He said it was an honor to work alongside Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan and filmmaker Farah Khan.
During a recent interview, Javed Sheikh reflected on his experience of playing Shah Rukh Khan’s father in the 2007 blockbuster. He said the entire team treated him with great respect and made him feel welcomed throughout the production.
The veteran actor recalled that Farah Khan approached him for the role and later discussed his fee. However, he immediately told the filmmakers that he did not want to charge anything for the project.
According to Javed Sheikh, he considered the opportunity itself to be a reward. He said he felt proud that a Pakistani actor had been chosen to portray the father of one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
He explained that money was never his priority for the film. Instead, he viewed the role as a meaningful recognition of his work and career.
The actor even suggested accepting only one rupee as a symbolic payment. However, he said Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan rejected the idea after learning about his decision.
According to Javed Sheikh, the filmmakers insisted that he be paid properly. He revealed that they later offered him a generous payment as a gesture of appreciation and goodwill.
The actor also praised Shah Rukh Khan for his kindness during filming. He said the Bollywood star showed him great respect and took special care of him throughout the shoot.
Although the two actors are no longer in regular contact, Javed Sheikh said they shared an excellent friendship while working together. He described his time on the set of Om Shanti Om as memorable and enjoyable.
During the interview, the veteran actor also spoke about his early struggles in the entertainment industry. He said it took nearly ten years before he established himself as a successful actor.
He recalled that his father was very strict during his younger years. While he loved acting, his father preferred that he focus on his studies instead.
Javed Sheikh shared one childhood memory in which his father tore apart a striped shirt after accusing him of wanting to become a film hero. Despite the criticism, he continued pursuing his passion for acting.
His father’s opinion changed whenever his films performed well. The actor said his father proudly congratulated him after successful projects but advised him to leave acting whenever a film failed.
To reassure his family, Sheikh accepted other jobs while continuing his acting career. He worked in a clerical position before eventually finding success in television and films.
He also recalled facing disappointment after his debut film Dhamaka failed at the box office. Later, he received a small role in a television drama, which gave him hope to continue acting.
Another difficult moment came during the production of Bivi Ho To Aisi. Sheikh said producers considered replacing him because distributors were reluctant to buy the film due to his earlier commercial failures. He admitted that the experience left him deeply upset.
His career later changed with the success of the television drama Ankahi, which became popular in both Pakistan and India. The drama helped revive his career and established him as one of the country’s leading actors.
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Today, Javed Sheikh remains active in Pakistan’s entertainment industry. He continues appearing in films and television dramas, including Delhi Gate, Aag Lagey Basti Mein, and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum, while remaining one of the country’s most respected actors.
