LAHORE – Senior Pakistani actor, model, and TV host Iffat Omar has candidly revealed the real reason behind her decision to step away from the showbiz industry — saying that when one has to “beg for their own payment,” it’s better to walk away.
Speaking on the comedy talk show Mazaq Raat, Iffat shared her honest views about the current state of Pakistan’s drama industry. She said that television dramas, being a family medium, should carry strong moral or social messages. However, she noted that only around 40 percent of dramas today can be considered quality productions.
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The veteran actress admitted she doesn’t watch Pakistani dramas anymore — not even her own — because, having worked behind the camera, she can easily spot when actors are frustrated or scenes lack authenticity. Instead, she said she now prefers the diverse and engaging content available on mobile platforms.
Addressing the long-standing issue of delayed or unpaid fees, Iffat said she no longer knows the current situation but admitted that payment delays and lack of respect were major factors behind her exit. She recalled how actors who demanded their dues were often threatened by producers, which she described as “deeply humiliating.”
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Iffat Omar concluded by saying that actors deserve respect because “they are the reason dramas sell.” Unable to change the exploitative system from within, she ultimately chose to step away from it altogether.