During a recent Eid Day One show with Vasey Chaudhry, Mahira Khan spoke candidly about the longstanding issue of unequal pay and the lack of a formal salary system in film and television industry.
Appearing alongside her co-star Fahad Mustafa from their upcoming film Aag Lagey Basti Main, Mahira highlighted how junior actors struggle to “survive,” while senior actors easily secure work and revenue.
Addressing a resurfaced post advocating for artist royalties, she said, “I think world over there is a certain amount that goes to artists as royalties. I’m not saying we should exactly follow Hollywood, but it is a system that ensures artists don’t go hungry.” She emphasized the need for at least a baseline framework in Pakistan to protect artists financially.
Mahira further pointed out that many artists face hardship or even homelessness due to insufficient savings and limited revenue access. She noted that broadcasters and TV channels often benefit far more from multiple revenue streams than the actors themselves, leaving junior artists, supporting actors, and technical crew at a disadvantage.
While organizations such as the Actors Collective Trust (ACT) and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) aim to assist artists, Mahira criticized their limited impact in addressing systemic inequities. She cited veteran actress Naila Jaffery, who faced medical expenses on her own during her cancer battle, as an example of these shortcomings.
Acknowledging her own success, Mahira expressed hope that the industry evolves to ensure that every artist receives fair compensation and recognition. Her remarks underscore the continuing need for widespread discussion and structural reform in Pakistan’s entertainment sector.
