Shuja Asad wants the drama industry to step up for its unsung heroes — workers and crew members
Actor Shuja Asad wants the entertainment industry to step up for its unsung heroes — workers and crew members who make movie and TV magic happen.
In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday, the College Gate actor said amid the relentless rain in Karachi, he couldn’t help but think of the workers and crew members in production houses, people he called “the unsung heroes of our drama industry”.
“These hardworking men are the backbone of our industry, yet they are often left without the most basic safety equipment — no hand gloves, no boots, no protection. In conditions like this, it’s not just about discomfort — it’s about life and death. A single slip, a live wire, or unsafe working conditions can cost someone their life.”
He noted that many of them travel long distances from the outskirts of the city just to show up for work, and “still, they are the ones least prioritised”. “It’s heartbreaking, because while we — the actors — are privileged and cared for, it is these workers who hold everything together behind the scenes,” he wrote.
He called on the industry to step up, “not just for the glamour in front of the camera, but for the dignity, safety, and wellbeing of those who make it all possible”.
“Let’s not forget them.”
His message was seconded by fellow actor Kubra Khan, who wrote on her Instagram story that her heart broke seeing the people who “hold it all together for us, being left behind”.
“We’re a team, and every single person from our spot bhai to ENG team to the rider/makeup and styling team is equally important. Nobody should be left behind. I’d like to see a shoot start without them.”
She said it was about time this issue was taken care of. “When it’s brought to attention and God forbid an accident happens, it’s no longer an accident, it’s negligence.”
On Tuesday, Karachi saw intense downpours in several areas, leaving eight people dead and thousands stranded across the city as roads quickly flooded, leaving them impassable.
The rain severely strained Karachi’s fragile infrastructure, causing stormwater drains and sewers to burst, along with disrupting industrial operations across the economic hub. Several areas experienced hours-long power and internet services outage. Due to the severity of the situation, the provincial administration announced a public holiday in the city today.
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