Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh’s comment on not charging money for a role in an Indian film sparked controversy amidst its countrymen and women. He had played Shah Rukh Khan’s father in his 2001 movie Om Shanti Om.
Kn conversation to Gloss Etc, Javed was asked regarding hia work experience in a Farah Khan film. “Their manager came to me, said they needed to sign the contract. I said, ‘yes’. ‘What will be your fee?’ I said I won’t take any money. The thing is that firstly it’s a matter of honour for me that I am playing Shah Rukh’s father in his biggest film ever. India has so many actors. You choose anyone and they will be ready to take on this role. But Shah Rukh and Farah Khan choosing me is a thing of honour for me. That’s why, because of Farah and Shah Rukh, I will not take any money, he said.”
The manager refused to agree to it and post a long deliberation, Javed finally arrived to a conclusion, “You go and tell Shah Rukh I will take just one rupee. I’m not joking.” Then, the film’s team decided how much Javed should be paid. “When they sent me the first cheque, it was shocking itself.”
People reacted to it on a website named Reviewit.pk. Someone wrote, “This is what you call not having any self respect. The man didn’t even charge any fee for his job,”. “Dunno why they put Indian actors on such pedestal,” commented a user. “This man should have chosen a minimum professional fee at least. Why come across as someone with no value in front of others,” wrote a person. “Omg that’s agains showing them how little we are and you are our superior. Regards how big they are. You should get money for your work. No one work for free,” added another comment. “And you just humiliated in front of them, being of no value,” a comment read.
The actor also made appearance in films like My Name Is Anthony Gonsalves and Namastey London. When asked whether he’ll work in Indian films, he averred, “Our political relations with Hindustan are not well these days, ever since BJP came into power. Maybe it will be better if a party other than BJP comes into power.”
