Popular actor Saleem Miraj has shared a personal and rather unpleasant memory from the early days of his career, revealing how a senior actor once humiliated him on set. Speaking in a program on ‘TV’, he discussed the dynamics between senior and junior actors in the entertainment industry and reflected on the fine line between maintaining respect and creating distance.

Saleem Miraj explained that while it is wrong for seniors to completely distance themselves from newcomers, a certain level of separation can sometimes be beneficial. He emphasized the need to distinguish between “new actors” and “junior actors,” pointing out that when new entrants are given too much affection and respect, they may take undue advantage of it and lose the sense of hierarchy. He recounted instances where juniors boasted about getting roles by directly approaching directors or producers, which, in his view, undermines the respect owed to seniors.

At the same time, he acknowledged that inappropriate behavior from senior actors is equally unacceptable. Recalling his own experience, he said that early in his career, he worked with a veteran actor whom he deeply respected. The senior first asked him to button his sleeves during a shoot and later ordered him to fetch his shoes. While the request angered him, he complied out of respect. However, the incident left him feeling diminished, and his admiration for the senior faded. Months later, the same actor spoke to him casually on the set of another project, but the earlier incident had already left its mark.

Saleem Miraj stressed that, regardless of hierarchy, he would never treat junior actors in such a manner, choosing instead to foster a respectful and professional environment. Though he voiced his grievance, he refrained from naming the senior actor involved.