Mahira Khan has taken a bold stance on an issue that quietly affects much of Pakistan’s entertainment world.
In a candid chat on a popular talk show alongside her co-star Fahad Mustafa, she didn’t hold back about the economic struggles that plague the industry’s unsung heroes.
While top actors often manage to sustain themselves, she highlighted that junior artists, technicians, and supporting performers often work tirelessly without the safety net of royalties or residual income.
Mahira stressed that the absence of a structured royalty system leaves many at the mercy of inconsistent payments and opaque revenue channels.
“TV channels earn so much money while junior artists, technicians get left behind,” she stated, emphasizing the stark imbalance between visible stars and the crew who make productions possible.
Her comments followed her earlier advocacy for artist royalties, but this time she addressed the issue with direct clarity about who bears the cost.
She compared Pakistan’s industry to international standards, pointing out that while Hollywood and other markets aren’t perfect, they offer mechanisms to protect artists financially.
“I’m not saying we should exactly follow Hollywood, but it is a system that ensures artists don’t go hungry,” she said, highlighting the importance of creating a baseline of financial security for performers and behind the scenes staff.
Mahira also acknowledged that personal financial mismanagement can affect anyone, yet she underscored that a proper royalty system would provide at least some protection for those who rely on their craft for a living.
She argued that broadcasters benefit from multiple streams of income ad revenue, syndication, and digital distribution, yet much of this profit doesn’t trickle down to those who actually create the content.
The actress’s comments go beyond her own career. They reflect a growing call within Pakistan’s creative community for structural reforms, fairer contracts, and a sustainable approach that values all contributors to television productions, not just the stars in front of the camera.