Production team calls out Faran Tahir’s brother over non-payment

Ali Tahir had acted, co-produced a play staged in Karachi, with ‘Iron Man’ actor as the lead

American-Pakistani actor and director Faran Tahir is well-known for his international film roles that have somewhat given him a name in Hollywood. The star is a memorable face after playing the villainous character of Raza in the Marvel Comics-based Iron Man back in 2008, as well as Starfleet Captain Richard Robau in 2009's Star Trek.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/YOUNAS KHAN

Now, Faran is embroiled in a controversy in Pakistan. The star is involved in a scandal over money in the play Bhai Bhai that he performed in Karachi this year. Production manager Younas Khan, who was hired as the production head, posted a Facebook status regarding the issue.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/YOUNAS KHAN

According to Younas, the play organiser and brother of the Hollywood star Ali Tahir is yet to pay some of the production team their dues. It has been over six months since Bhai Bhai was staged at the Arts Council from February 3 to February 10, 2019.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/YOUNAS KHAN

"We sent him the budget and daily expenses everyday after every performance. First he committed that he will pay the remaining amount that is 184k in February but he broke his commitment. Then he told me he will pay in April. He did this again. And I requested him again and again that Ramazan was coming up and my team needed the payment," Younas wrote.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/YOUNAS KHN

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Screenshots of a text message conversation between him and Ali was provided in the social media post as evidence of the claims.  The WhatsApp conversations show Younas repeatedly asking for his production team's salary over a course of time but despite repeated calls and messages, Ali is yet to reply.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/YOUNAS KHAN

Younas wrote that he was extremely disheartened over the silence. "After requesting, pleading and begging for that payment he committed that he will pay in July. In July when I texted and called him on his cell almost everyday, he didn't bother replying. Today I called him from another number. He picked the call up and simply said I cant pay you and can't commit to you," he added.

While the production manager's hands currently seem to be tied with the disappointing situation, he has a warning for others to think twice before agreeing to work with the Bhai Bhai organiser, who hails from one of Pakistan's biggest media families.

PHOTO: FACEBOOK/YOUNAS KHAN

"His grandfather is the legend sir Imtiaz Ali Taj, his father sir Naeem Tahir is a Legend too, his brother sir Farhan Tahir is a Hollywood star. What a name is he giving to his Family. I have no hope left. I needed to do this because my team is pressurising me for the payment. And wanted everyone to know to be careful when you do any commitment with Mr Ali Tahir," Younas concluded. We certainly hope the situation is resolved soon.

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