Zeeshan Rokhri claims Sangeeta offered low pay for film Makho
Pakistani singer Zeeshan Rokhri has claimed that he turned down an acting offer for the upcoming film Makho because of what he described as an unacceptably low payment.
During a recent interview, the singer alleged that filmmaker Sangeeta offered significantly lower compensation than he expected and also claimed that veteran actor Moammar Rana was being paid only PKR 500,000 for his role in the project.
According to Rokhri, he was approached to appear in Makho and was asked to work on the film for approximately eight days. He said he quoted a fee of PKR 10 million for the role, believing it reflected the value of his time and contribution.
The singer claimed that during discussions, Sangeeta’s team informed him that Moammar Rana, one of Pakistan’s most recognizable film actors, had been signed for the project for PKR 500,000. Rokhri said he was surprised by the figure and decided not to join the film.
Expressing his disappointment, Rokhri argued that paying a senior actor such a modest amount does little to support the country’s entertainment industry. He said artists deserve compensation that reflects their experience and contribution, adding that better financial investment is necessary if Pakistan’s film industry hopes to compete with larger regional markets.
“If we want our film industry to grow and compete with Bollywood, then the budgets also need to match that ambition,” Rokhri said during the interview. He added that performers should be compensated accordingly if the industry expects high-quality productions and long-term development.
Makho is an upcoming Pakistani film directed by veteran actress and filmmaker Sangeeta. The project was announced under a government-backed film grant initiative and features Moammar Rana among its cast. Sangeeta, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s entertainment industry, has enjoyed a long career both in front of and behind the camera.
Moammar Rana rose to fame during the peak years of Pakistani cinema and has appeared in numerous successful films throughout his career. Although he remains a well-known name in the industry, the actor has faced challenges in recent years, including public criticism following the circulation of a controversial video online.
Rokhri’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion across social media, where users expressed mixed opinions about the reported payment and the future prospects of the film.
Some users argued that Moammar Rana’s commercial appeal has declined over the years, suggesting that his reported fee reflects his current market value. Others questioned whether the budget of the film justified higher payments for its cast.
Several commenters also expressed skepticism about Makho, with some predicting that the film may struggle at the box office due to what they described as its traditional style and outdated approach.
Neither Sangeeta nor the makers of Makho have publicly responded to Rokhri’s claims regarding the reported salaries or the film’s budget. As a result, the payment figures shared by the singer remain unverified, and no official confirmation has been issued by the production team.
