Pakistan Television Network (PTV) is being lambasted online for allegedly paying veteran actor Rashid Mehmood only Rs. 620. The issue was highlighted by filmmaker Shamoon Abbasi and now the rest of the biz is demanding better from PTV.
The Mein Rahun Gi creator tweeted an image of a cheque for just Rs. 620 given to the Pride of Performance winning artist Rashid Mehmood. Shamoon Abbasi asserted that this was blatant disrespect and urged that we treat our artists better.
“What are the criterias of paying a pride of performance winner in this country What does it take to gain a little respect if not so many decades Rashid sahab have given to this industry?”
Paying 620/-rs to Mr Rashid Mehmood by an institution like PTV. doesn't make sense
What are the criterias of paying a pride of performance winner in this country
What does it take to gain a little respect if not so many decades Rashid sahab have given to this industry? pic.twitter.com/TLZwH1Bq6i
— Shamoon Abbasi (@shamoonAbbasi) September 13, 2020
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Soon enough the Internet was buzzing with the news and Netizens backed the Durj creator.
https://twitter.com/eb_abraham/status/1305175983083974656
People questioned why PTV would pay such a menial amount to an artist.
May be 1980 se yehi amount chal rahi ho .. red tapeism ki waja se increase nahi hoe .. coz 620 ko 1340 karo gay to ye 100% increase hoga aur accountants would say .. sir 30% tak increase kerein bohat high percentage ha increase ki
— RaXa (@JamsheedRaza) September 13, 2020
How it feels living in 20th century with payment of 18th century. #PTVcannotimprove.
— Heart Ticker (@ShakilKhatak) September 13, 2020
Even fellow artists like Ali Zafar opened up about how the entertainment industry is notorious for pay issues. The singer called for legislation to ensure artists get paid, fairly and on time.
“A society is known by the way it treats it’s creative and literary minds.”
It has become a common norm for artists, actors, producers even journalists & various other employees to chase their pending salaries/payments for months as if they were asking a favour. This culture needs to end. There should be a law which binds for timely payments.
— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) September 13, 2020
Rashid Mahmood responds
Rashid Mehmood himself came out to verify the claim that he had indeed only been paid Rs. 620 for his services. The actual amount paid for his work was Rs. 120, while the Pride of Performance fee was Rs. 500.
Hi. I Received this Cheque from PTV
And i can't understand.
Total amount 620/-
Pride of Performance Fee. 500/-
Payment of my Work. 120/- only.
What are the criterias of paying a pride of performance winner in this country and who spend 50 years of life in PTV. #Ptv pic.twitter.com/Id1yPo1bGo— RASHID MAHMOOD (@RashidMahmoodPK) September 13, 2020
The veteran artist thanked Shamoon Abbasi for standing up for him. He asserted that he’s more hurt by the disrespect, not the unfair pay.
Thank you very much Dear Shamoon, This in not about money, but it is about the dignity. PTV, is my Mother institute, but this time i am very hurt. Thanks for your support, Love and Care. Stay Blessed. Moreover Thanks to my fan and followers who understand my feelings.
— RASHID MAHMOOD (@RashidMahmoodPK) September 13, 2020
He vowed not to work with PTV again:
Senior TV & film actor Rashid Mehmood has vowed NEVER to work for Pakistan Television again pic.twitter.com/Q0ApW0V78U
— Basit Subhani (@BasitSubhani) September 13, 2020
Netizens called out how shameful it was that someone even considered it was appropriate to treat a veteran artist like this.
very shameful for the ppl who made and signed this chq
— NK (@ajeebsa_) September 14, 2020
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Recently Javeria Saud and her production house have been under fire for not paying her staff and other artists. Somehow people expected better from state broadcaster PTV.
However, based on the story shared by Ali Zafar and Shamoon Abbasi’s statement, the matter looks grim all around. So how much does PTV pay artists for their work and on what criteria?
Shocking!
I consider this as an insult to the whole country.