KUALA LUMPUR: While award-winning veteran actor Faizal Hussein is often described as a silver screen legend, the star of crime drama One Cent Thief laments that he is not "paid like one".
"Production companies often call me a legendary actor, yet they don't pay me what's befitting of a senior in the industry with wide experience. In fact, some of them refuse to work with me if they think I'm too 'costly'," he said in a recent news report.
However, Faizal does not believe in being confrontational, and chooses to work with companies that "give him a better deal".
"I only work with those who develop good scripts and pay me better. If they can't meet my requests, I choose not to work with them," he said.
Faizal admitted that at times, he still chose to star in "low-paying" dramas and films, provided that they had good storylines.
"I go for the quality of the drama or film first and foremost. Pay comes second.
"What gives me the greatest satisfaction is a good screen role, be it on TV or in the cinema."
Faizal, 55, made his acting debut at five in 1972 in the film Darah Panglima. As an adult, he had his first leading role in Gila-Gila Remaja in 1986.
His best known films include Tuah, Kanta Serigala, XX Ray, Fantasi, Leftenan Adnan, Getaran, KL Menjerit, Gerak Khas The Movie 2, Janji Diana, Abuya, Bunohan and Manisnya Cinta Di Cappadocia.