'You shouldn’t have to beg for your own money,' says Romaisa Khan

Romaisa Khan has joined Pakistani celebrities that are calling out the film industry for untimely payment for their work. Agreeing that we cannot deny that late payments exist in the industry, she shared her take on the matter in a recent interview.  

“I feel like it’s your own money and you shouldn’t have to beg for it time and again,” said Romaisa. The Hadsa actor shared that it is something she struggles a lot with herself. “I often don’t get paid because of this because I feel so hesitant and shy to ask 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 bigger problem that many industry professionals 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. 

Previously, Mahira Khan had shed light on the struggles of technicians in the film industry back in September. Taking to her Instagram story, she reminded us of the scale of the problem. “Imagine, if senior actors and hit maker directors go through this,” she said. “Just imagine what technicians go through.”

Before that, Mehreen had burst the bubble of those harbouring the impression that a career in the television industry equates to a thriving bank account in July. “Our drama industry has progressed a lot, and there has been a very high viewership,” she said during an interview. “But behind the scenes, there is a lot of compromise and this industry operates in a very unprofessional way. That is the sad part.”

Then, Mohammed thanked Mehreen for starting the conversion back in July. Taking to Instagram, he said: "Mehreen has spoken very clearly about the system and the drama industry, and it makes me so glad. She said plainly what I have been quietly saying for years." The Cake actor said that a delay of three to four months is extremely normal.

Backing up Mehreen's beggar analogy, Mohammed continued, "You have to pretty much clasp your hands together and beg them to pay you. Then they dispense a cheque your way, all the while giving the impression that they are doing you a massive favour, just because they have decided to pay you. In every project, I feel their aim is to make actors beg for money. It destroys your dignity."

Ahmed slammed the industry's recurring issue with late payments too. "Late payment is an industry standard," he said in an Instagram story in July. "Production houses, television channels and corporate sponsors all have a 60 to 90-day payment clause, and that too 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 that 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."