Veteran Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh recalls turning down payment for his role in Om Shanti Om, calling the opportunity to work alongside Shah Rukh Khan an honor beyond financial reward.
Veteran Pakistani actor Javed Sheikh has revealed that he initially refused to accept payment for his role in the 2007 Bollywood blockbuster Om Shanti Om, saying the opportunity to work with Shah Rukh Khan was a reward in itself.
Speaking during an interview with Vasay Chaudhry, Sheikh reflected on portraying Rajesh Kapoor, the on-screen father of Shah Rukh Khan’s character in the Farah Khan-directed film. He described the experience as one of the most memorable moments of his career, praising the respect and hospitality he received throughout the production.
According to Sheikh, the discussion about his remuneration began when the film’s production team approached him to finalize his contract. However, he immediately declined the offer, saying he considered it a privilege to be selected for such a significant role.
He recalled telling the team that being chosen from among countless actors to play Shah Rukh Khan’s father was a greater honor than any payment. When producers insisted that industry rules required him to be paid, Sheikh jokingly suggested accepting a symbolic fee of just one rupee. Director Farah Khan and Shah Rukh Khan reportedly rejected the idea and insisted on paying him a proper professional fee.
The veteran actor also praised Shah Rukh Khan for his generosity and professionalism on set, describing their working relationship as warm, respectful, and enjoyable throughout filming.
During the interview, Sheikh reflected on the challenges that shaped his career. He revealed that his father initially discouraged his acting ambitions despite his passion for performing, which often saw him rushing from school to Radio Pakistan. His debut film Dhamaka (1974) failed commercially, leading many in the industry to label him a flop actor.
His fortunes changed several years later with the iconic television drama Ankahi, which gained widespread popularity in both Pakistan and India and established him as one of the country’s leading performers.
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