Dawn Images

Actor Yasir Hussain took to social media in support of cult classic Ainak Wala Jin's cast.

He shared a picture of the premier with the cast and spoke about the financial troubles that have haunted the show's stars since its end. This comes as a nationwide movement for actors to receive royalties for their work is well under way.

Hussain mentioned how the cast had struggled to find roles after the show. This is a common problem among TV actors across the world once they commit too long a time to a certain show, the association between it, the particular character played, and the actor becomes very strong with audiences. This is seen as a possible threat by subsequent directors, fearing their characters will never emerge from the shadows of previous associations with the actors playing them. In countries with industries far more mature than ours, this is perhaps not that big a problem. If actors are paid adequately for their roles, and subsequently paid royalties for the show, the problem becomes less a financial one more a career aspiration one.

Of the drama's cast, Hussain said, quite chillingly, "Half these people died of hunger, and some are alive on donations."

The actor then called for the prime minister to offer his help to the veteran actors. He asked him to have mercy on these entertainers who were household names for an entire generation.

Hussain reminded the PM of how these actors stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him during his political and social struggles. When he was raising funds for his hospital, these actors stood with him, when he decided he wanted to enter politics and establish a political party, these actors stood with him.

In 2017, reports of actress Nusrat Begum, who played the iconic Bil Batori in the show, and her ill health broke out. After a paralysis attack, she was rushed to the hospital, only to be sent away with just a prescription. She didn't have any money for her treatment.

When Dawn spoke to her at the time of her illness she said, "My feet are injured from all the walking, I don't have a roof over my head, I just wish someone could do something for my accommodation."

You can watch the report below.

Though the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal pledged to support her treatment with a promise of Rs1 million, the actor passed away the same year, having lived the rest of her life in poverty.

Ainak Wala Jinn is one of the biggest children's TV show hits Pakistan has ever seen. Produced by PTV, the show was aired for four seasons, becoming a fan favourite. Its dialogues were echoed in schools and homes and the actors mimicked on demand at household events. Due to the hit that the show was, it was re-aired twice after its initial run, to great public appreciation.

It is unfortunate and shameful to see the fate of some of the nation's finest entertainers. We urge the government to offer their support to these helpless legends.