The drama industry of Pakistan and world over thrives on the hard work and dedication of its actors. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour lies a harsh reality: delayed payments and a lack of royalties continue to plague the industry, leaving actors disheartened and financially strained. Recently, prominent actors Khushhal Khan, and Ramsha Khan voiced their concerns, shedding light on the dire need for systemic change in a podcast with Haroon Rashid.
Delayed payments have long been an open secret in the industry. Nadia Afgan, known for her candidness, highlighted a troubling trend where TV channels profit significantly from platforms like YouTube but fail to share the revenue with the actors. This lack of financial transparency not only undermines the contributions of performers but also raises questions about ethical business practices. She took to Instagram to share her sentiments, and mentioned that she agrees to what Khushhal and Ramsha have to say.
Ramsha Khan, in her heartfelt remarks, emphasized that the issue extends beyond monetary concerns; it’s about survival. “I have to pay my bills, man,” she stated, illustrating the very real struggles faced by actors who rely on timely payments for their livelihoods. For Ramsha, the solution lies in taking a stand, she mentions, “I stop showing up on the sets if my payments are due.”
Khushhal Khan echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of respect for actors who give their all to their craft. “We’re giving 110% every single day. The least we expect is to be paid on time,” he remarked.
‘Actors Lack Unity’ – Ramsha Khan
One of the most striking points raised during the discussion was the lack of solidarity among actors in addressing these issues. Ramsha spoke about the absence of collective action, stating, “If Khushhal and I even try to take a stand, the three other actors are going to let it go. There’s no unity.” This disunity weakens the actors’ ability to demand fair treatment and perpetuates an environment where delayed payments are normalized.
Khushhal expressed hope for change, advocating for a collective effort to demand respect and timely payments. He acknowledged that refusing to show up on set is not an ideal solution but maintained that extreme circumstances sometimes necessitate bold actions. “When they’re pushing you so much, you should take a stand,” he said, encouraging others to follow suit.
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The conversation also highlighted the need for the industry to adopt more professional practices. Khushhal pointed out a paradox where newcomers are often treated with more respect than seasoned actors. “When you’re starting out, you get more respect because you haven’t proven yourself yet. But once you do, then they’re like, ‘Okay, take this script’,” he observed, indicating a deeper cultural issue within the industry.
Actors like Nadia Afgan and Ramsha Khan have called out the system, urging for better contractual agreements, timely payments, and the introduction of royalties to ensure long-term financial stability. These measures would not only benefit actors but also elevate the overall professionalism of the industry.
The issues of delayed payments and lack of royalties are not just about financial hardship; they reflect a deeper disregard for the value of creative labor. Addressing these problems requires a unified effort from actors, producers, and broadcasters alike. It’s time for the industry to recognize that its success hinges on the well-being of its talent. By adopting fair and transparent practices, the drama industry can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.
The voices of actors like Nadia Afgan, Khushhal Khan, and Ramsha Khan should serve as a wake-up call. Their courage to speak out is a step towards change, but the real transformation will come when the industry collectively acknowledges and addresses these systemic issues.