KARACHI: Pakistani film and TV stars including famed Mahira Khan, Yasir Hussain and others have launched a campaign demanding royalties that artists across the country.
The ‘royalties for artists’ campaign was launched in light of famous TV actress Naila Jaffery requesting royalties for the re-runs of her dramas for her cancer treatment.
On Sunday, in order to raise their voice on the matter, Pakistani stars turned to Instagram with the #giveroyaltiestoartists hashtag, saying ‘it is time to make this happen’.
Mahira Khan, Yasir Hussain, Mansha Pasha, Sakina Samo, Zara Noor Abbas, Armeena Khan, Kübra Khan, Asad Siddiqui and others raised their voices to ask for royalties to artists.
Zara Noor Abbas said, “In every industry, there are some rules. Some laws. Let’s have it set in ours too. Let’s acknowledge the ones who ENTERTAIN you on the COST of their lives. #giveroyaltiestoartists”.
Mansha Pasha said, “It’s time to make this happen. #giveroyaltiestoartists”.Asad Siddiqui said, “In tough times, solidarity is the force. We stand together, hand in hand. #giveroyaltiestoartists.”
Recently, Naila Jeffery, who is fighting ovarian cancer since 2016 and unable to pursue her treatment, has appealed for royalties for her drama shows being re-telecasted on television channels.
In a video circulating on social media, Jeffery said that she has been suffering from the disease for the last six years and now she has not been able to get the second session of chemotherapy.
The actor said that she was hospitalized with an infection, adding: “I kept on thinking that our government and policymakers should take care of artists”. She recalled that Pakistan Television had given royalties for shows re-broadcasted by it. “Even though the money was too little, we were happy”.
She added, “I have been sick for six years, everyone has assisted me, but I wish we had a few percent of the shows that are being replayed today”. Jeffery said that such a move will help artists to manage their lives.
