The Lahore Arts Council has provided Rs 5,000 to the veteran actor Meera after she applied for financial assistance with the Artist Support Fund, launched by the Punjab Information and Cultural Department to help artists.
The actor Meera Jee had initially sought 40 million rupees from the government of Punjab by claiming that her financial situation was in dire straits.
Later, the concerned authorities denied her request completely and said that they could offer only 5000-10000 rupees to the Baaji actor. Subsequently, on Thursday, her application was approved for financial assistance and she will be provided 5000 rupees by the Lahore Arts Council.
After the first request for financial aid, a meeting was held under the supervision of MPA Sadia Rana in the Alhamra Art Center. It was discussed that only 5,000 to 10,000 will be provided to the actor but not more than that and she was also told in the meeting that this financial assistance is planned for the artists with 50 or above age and with less than 15,000 rupees of monthly income. Sadia Rana said that this fund is only for poor artists who have been badly affected by this current situation.
She further asked by pointing towards Meera that why did she even applied for financial assistance as she is an active popular actor who earns a heavy amount monthly and she should be serious towards supporting poor artists.
Meera answered, “My shows in the USA and Canada were canceled due to Covid-19. I suffered a loss of around $100,000. I have to pay back the loan I took in Dubai. I was earning Rs 15,000 per appearance but with no shows, I am forced to apply for financial support,”
Punjab Information and Cultural Department launched the Artist Support Fund where she applied for financial assistance. A total of 645 artists are promised financial aid in the first spell.
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