Alizeh Shah Speaks Out: “I’ll Only Work Where I Am Respected”

Popular Pakistani actress Alizeh Shah has taken a bold stand against the entertainment industry’s unprofessional behaviour, stating that she will only continue working in the industry if she is treated with respect.

In a heartfelt video message shared on her official Instagram account, Alizeh opened up about the struggles actors face behind the scenes. “The life of an actor is much harder than it looks. We often receive our payments months after a project ends and have to keep chasing people just to get what we’ve earned,” she said.

Alizeh criticised the attitude of some production houses, revealing that when payments are finally issued, it feels as if a favour is being done. “They say things like ‘We’re doing as much as we can for you; this should be enough to get by,’ as if they’re helping us out instead of paying us for our work,” she stated.

She added, “They claim they’re giving us work out of generosity. Well, if it’s a favour, then please keep it.”

 

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Alizeh made it clear that her self-respect comes first. “How can anyone work in an environment where there’s no respect?” she asked. She also revealed that she has been trolled online, targeted with memes, and faced criticism even during casting meetings.

“When I go to meetings, they say, ‘Your image is too damaged; why should we cast you?’ I ask them, who are you to question me like that? Are you here to cast me or judge my character?”

The actress condemned the toxic culture of mentally breaking artists and then pretending to be their saviour. “People call you for a meeting just to humiliate you and make you feel worthless, then act like giving you a role is some grand gesture. I don’t need favours—I need respect and timely payment. If you can’t give that, then you’re the real beggar, not me.”