'Like children of a lesser god'

Actor and screenwriter Syed Mohammed Ahmed is no stranger to anyone with an eye for the screen. With an enviable acting CV that comprises Cake (2018), Suno Chanda (2018), and Radd (2024), and writing credits that include Laal Kabootar (2017) and Kuch Ankahi (2023), Ahmed is a man well-versed with the ins and outs of the world of film and television.

A large presence he may be, but that does not mean that Ahmed does not feel the plight of the overlooked and ignored supporting cast of any production, many of whom are often given short shrift by both the media and fans. Taking to social media on Friday to voice his frustrations with such injustice, Ahmed lamented on his Instagram Stories, "Members of the supporting cast are treated like children of a lesser god."

Ahmed's acerbic observation applies to a trend visible well beyond Pakistani borders, be it Bollywood or Hollywood, although his note appears to be aimed specifically at the local television industry. "They do not [get] any respect," continued Ahmed. Highlighting the importance of a supporting cast, the Ehd-e-Wafa actor added, "Why not try making a drama serial without them?"

The cynic may feel that such is a self-serving statement since Ahmed is often tasked with playing the role of someone's father (and has also been listed in the credits as such on occasion with no other name attached to his character). However, the cynic would be wrong; as a veteran of the industry, Ahmed is well-placed to make keen observations on the plights of all players, big or small. In the past, Ahmed has been vocal in unflattering his views about the industry, and even went on record to explain why he gave up writing for the screen. Four years ago in an appearance on a local show, Ahmed had revealed that none of his works could get greenlit.

"The channel heads, they say my work is outdated and I can't write," he had revealed. According to Ahmed, the reason for such constant rejection was because he refused to bend to common tropes.

"The women in my serials don't cry without a reason. I won't focus on deaths, divorces, issues with in-laws and such," he noted. "I can't treat the women in my work the way they are conventionally treated. Maybe this is why they think I can't write!"

Ahmed's bitter observations on social media may not overturn the trend of hero-worshipping within the industry, but they will provide comfort to those in supporting roles who have felt slighted.