Former Pakistani film star Jia Ali opens up about taking home over 50 lakh rupees for her iconic 1997 debut film.
Former Pakistani actress and supermodel Jia Ali recently cleared the air regarding long-standing industry rumors about her astronomical debut paycheck during an appearance on Zabardast with Wasil Shah. Addressing rumors that she demanded a whopping 1 crore rupees for her 1997 cinematic debut Deewane Tere Piyar Kay, the star confirmed that while she did not touch the eight-figure mark, her compensation exceeded 50 lakh rupees, making her the highest-paid actress in Lollywood at the time.
Jia Ali dominated Pakistani television and cinema throughout the late nineties and early two-thousands before stepping away at the height of her stardom. After her grand debut alongside co-star Moammar Rana, she starred in film hits like Ghar Kab Aao Gay, Love Mein Ghum, and Saya-e-Khuda-e-Zuljalal, alongside television dramas such as Band Khirkyon Kay Peechay, Hum Tehray Gunahgaar, and Pukaar. After marrying businessman Imran Idrees in 2021, the former leading lady shifted focus away from the screen, maintaining a selective presence in media interactions.
Reflecting on her conditions for joining the film, Jia Ali disclosed that she hesitated to make the transition from high fashion to silver screen acting, having previously turned down director Syed Noor‘s offer for Jeeva due to family constraints. To secure her participation for Deewane Tere Piyar Kay, film producers funded her entire personal entourage, covering overseas travel and production expenses for her photographer brother Munna Mushtaq, stylist Alia Imam, her personal choreographer, and customized wardrobe styling.
Her candid revelation highlights the lucrative nature of nineties cinema for top fashion icons who transitioned into film lead roles. As Jia Ali continues to enjoy her quiet post-showbiz life alongside her husband, fans remain fascinated by the Golden Era star’s unapologetic approach to negotiating her worth. Do you think modern Pakistani cinema pay packages match the extravagant standards set by classic Lollywood divas?
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