The Forgotten Hero- Famous TV actor Khawaja Saleem’s Battle with Poverty and Illness

Khawaja Saleem, a veteran actor and a household name in Pakistan, has been a part of our lives through his iconic roles in numerous dramas and films. However, behind the curtains, he is fighting a different battle – a battle with poverty and illness. Even after giving so much to the entertainment industry, Khawaja Saleem is now facing a tough time. This shows that fame doesn’t last forever and artists often don’t get the help they need when they need it most.  This is the story of a forgotten hero, struggling to make ends meet. Let us find out where is he now!

Saleem’s journey to stardom began in the 1980s when he started acting in Pakistani television dramas. He gained recognition for his roles in popular serials such as “Andhera Ujala” (1984) and “Sona Chandi” (1985). His breakthrough performance came in 1990 with the hit drama “Dasht” which earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Actor at the PTV Awards. 

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Khawaja Saleem appeared in numerous notable dramas. In recent years, he has continued to impress audiences with his performances in dramas like “Baandi” (2014), “Bunty I Love You” (2013), “Woh” (2014), “Bashar Momin” (2013), “Choti Choti Khushiyaan” (2014), “Do Qadam Door Thay” (2017), “Mohabbat Tum Se Nafrat Hai” (2012), “Saat Pardon Mein” (2020), “Umeed” (2016), “Baji Irshad” (2012), “Daag-e-Dil” (2014), “Dil Majboor Sa Lagay” (2019), “Janbaaz” (2019).

After his prime, Khawaja Saleem’s circumstances altered, and he had financial difficulties that compelled him to sell his belongings. His health problems—fighting diabetes, which resulted in gangrene and the loss of his toes—complicated this already challenging condition even further. Regretfully, Pakistan does not offer artists any particular allowances, nor does the government bear any duty for helping those who dedicate their lives to advancing Pakistan’s image abroad. Khawaja Saleem, a senior artist, was one of many former PTV and cinema artists who met with poverty and suffering after their careers ended.

Having managed his circumstances by selling his own house, car, bikes, and even acting accolades, he now lives in his daughter’s home. Regarding his financial struggles, Khawaja Saleem expressed gratitude to Sohail Ahmed and Shagufta Ejaz for their support. He declared that although he loves all of his artists, these two have always helped him through hard times. He requested assistance from the government during hard times, even only from the taxes he had paid over the years.