Renowned actor and host Faizan Sheikh recently opened up about the challenges actors face when asking for their rightful payments, revealing the fear and hesitation many experiences due to the industry’s power dynamics.

Speaking in a podcast, Faizan shared that artists are extremely sensitive and often too afraid to demand their dues. “Actors hesitate to ask for their own money because they fear they might not get work again,” he said. He emphasized that while artists pour their heart into their work, they often have to beg politely for payments that are rightfully theirs.

Faizan also pointed out the unequal treatment actors receive on set. He noted that while prominent stars are given VIP treatment during shoots, actors who are brought in for just a scene or two are often ignored, to the extent that they aren’t even offered a glass of water. “But if that same actor becomes famous 10 years later, suddenly they get all the protocol,” he added, calling this mindset deeply unfair.

On the topic of delayed payments, Faizan said that many actors have shared stories of being owed large sums—sometimes in the millions—but still refuse to name the production houses or TV channels involved out of respect. “In other professions, people fight or file legal cases over unpaid dues, but in showbiz, actors ask for their money with love and humility,” he lamented.

He highlighted the fact that even when actors receive a fraction of what they’re owed, they often accept it quietly just to maintain peace. “If a producer owes them five rupees and gives only one, they’ll still accept it with a smile,” he said.

Faizan also criticized the double standards within the industry. “If an actor reacts or takes a stand, people make a fuss, saying they created drama on set,” he explained. “But when it comes to asking for their rightful payment, most actors remain silent out of fear of losing future work.”

He concluded by saying that the issue of delayed or unpaid compensation is common in the entertainment industry, but unfortunately, not much can be done, as actors often feel powerless.

In recent days, other notable figures including senior actor Mohammad Ahmed, director Mehreen Jabbar, Yasir Hussain, Ahmed Ali Butt, and Faizan Khawaja have also spoken up about not receiving payments on time—a long-standing issue in the showbiz industry.