Veteran actor Saleem Mairaj recently opened up about a troubling experience early in his career, revealing how a senior actor once treated him disrespectfully on set.

During his appearance on talk show, Saleem discussed the dynamics between senior and junior actors in the entertainment industry. He emphasized that while keeping a respectful distance from newcomers is sometimes necessary, being too friendly can lead to juniors overstepping boundaries.

He noted a clear distinction between “new” and “junior” actors, stressing that some actors, when shown too much affection and respect, begin to take undue advantage of it. According to Saleem, such individuals may forget their place and fail to show proper respect to their seniors.

Sharing a personal story, Saleem said that during the shoot of one of his early projects, a senior actor—whom he respected deeply—treated him poorly. “May God grant him Jannat-ul-Firdous,” Saleem said, adding that the senior actor once summoned him on set just to button his sleeves and later ordered him to fetch a pair of shoes placed far away.

He admitted feeling angry at the moment but chose to respect the senior’s authority and complied. “That day, I lost value in his eyes,” he said. However, a few months later, the same actor treated him more warmly while working together on another drama.

Despite his disappointment, Saleem clarified that he would never behave that way with his juniors, no matter what. He acknowledged the inappropriate behavior of some seniors but did not reveal the name of the actor involved.

Saleem Mairaj’s story sheds light on the silent power dynamics in the entertainment industry, where respect and humility must go both ways—regardless of seniority.

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