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In a recent interview, Zafar highlighted what he described as one of the entertainment industry’s biggest problems. He said actors often receive no additional payment when their work continues to air years after its original release.
Zafar pointed to his popular sitcom Bulbulay as an example. The show has aired repeatedly across different channels and has crossed 800 episodes. However, he said repeated broadcasts have not provided royalties to the people involved in its production.
“If I were receiving royalties for these broadcasts, my children and I would be well provided for,” Zafar said.
He also noted the growing importance of digital platforms. However, according to the actor, traditional television channels have remained resistant to introducing a royalty structure.
Zafar also challenged the idea that acting is a highly profitable profession in Pakistan.
He said international entertainment industries often offer substantial financial rewards. In Pakistan, however, delayed payments can create serious financial pressure for artists.
“Globally, show business is known as the highest-paying profession,” he said. “But in Pakistan, if your pay cheque is delayed by even two days, you are finished.”
The actor also explained why many artists hesitate to speak publicly about industry problems.
According to Zafar, financial insecurity leaves performers with little room to challenge the existing system. He said many artists understand the problems but remain reluctant to speak because their careers and livelihoods are at stake.
Zafar also reflected on his long association with Bulbulay. The sitcom has remained on television for almost two decades and has grown alongside several generations of viewers.
He said maintaining fresh content has been one of the biggest challenges.
“It might look easy that I’m standing at over 800 episodes after 17 years, but behind it lies massive effort,” he said.
Zafar added that creating new situations with only four or five main characters requires constant effort. He said writers and performers must avoid repeating the same ideas.
The actor’s role as Nabeel has become one of his most recognisable television performances. The character often finds himself trying to manage a chaotic household while dealing with a series of comic situations.
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Zafar also discussed how he moved behind the camera during his career.
He said financial limitations initially encouraged him to establish his own production company. He also acted in his own productions to reduce costs.
“I felt I needed to step into production, so I created my own production company,” he said.
His directing career began in 2003 with the serial Waada. Zafar said he directed the project but did not appear as an actor.
The move gave him experience beyond performance and helped expand his role within Pakistan’s television industry.
As his career has progressed, Zafar said he has become more selective about the roles he accepts.
He now focuses on the quality and depth of a character rather than the names attached to a project.
The actor said many of the roles offered to him have similar descriptions, including different versions of strict, angry or soft fathers.
Zafar said he has rejected several scripts because the characters lacked substance.
“Give me a proper character with substance so there is something to actually perform,” he said.
His approach to acting remains focused on convincing audiences. Zafar said performers must make viewers believe in the world created on screen, whether the project is a tragedy, comedy or another genre.
Zafar also shared his views on newcomers seeking careers in entertainment.
He believes passion alone does not guarantee success. According to the actor, there is a major difference between genuine talent and simply enjoying acting as a hobby.
“There is a big difference between passion and real talent,” he said.
Zafar said he encourages aspiring performers but remains cautious about giving everyone the same level of support.
He also applies a similar approach to his own children. The actor said he has encouraged them to pursue their interests but wants them to obtain professional qualifications first.
He described it as a rare opportunity when a passion becomes a reliable source of income.
Zafar began his television career in the early 1990s. He initially appeared in serious and heroic roles in dramas such as Din and Daldal.
His performance in Dhuwan brought him wider recognition and helped establish him as a prominent television actor.
He later became a household name through Bulbulay, where his portrayal of Nabeel connected with audiences across Pakistan.
After decades in front of and behind the camera, Zafar believes Pakistan’s entertainment industry has grown significantly. However, he argues that the financial system supporting its artists has not developed at the same pace.
For the actor, introducing royalties could be an important step toward giving performers a more sustainable career.
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