Actor Mahira Khan has said that revenue generated by television channels does not reach junior artists, supporting performers and technicians, raising concerns about the absence of a royalty system in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
During an interview with her Aag Lagay Basti Main costar Fahad Mustafa, Khan addressed the issue when the host referred to her earlier stance on artist royalties. She said that while lead actors are often able to manage well financially, others working in the industry do not have the same support.
“I think the world over there is a certain amount that goes to artists as royalties,” she said. “I’m not saying we should exactly follow Hollywood, but it is a system that ensures artists don’t go hungry.”
Khan noted that even in established industries, financial difficulties exist, but said a formal structure provides some level of protection.
“Yes there are many artists who are homeless and get bankrupt but that’s mainly because they were unable to save,” she said. “But technically on paper, no artist who gets a certain amount of royalty should face struggles.”
She pointed to the gap between what broadcasters earn and what is received by those working behind the scenes. According to her, television channels benefit from several revenue streams, some of which are not visible to artists.
“I feel if channels earn so much money and from multiple revenue streams, some of which even we are not aware of, artists like us still survive,” she said. “But then we hear stories about certain junior artists, support artists, technicians and crew and I feel that it is unfair and it should not have to be this way.”
Her remarks highlight concerns about workers who are not included in profit-sharing structures despite their role in productions.
Industry bodies exist that address such matters, including the Actors Collective Trust (ACT), which represents actors, and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA), which represents broadcasters. Producers also have representative groups. However, a system for royalties has not been implemented.