Mahira Khan advocates fair royalties for junior artists

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Mahira Khan has taken a strong stance on a critical issue affecting Pakistan’s entertainment industry. During a candid conversation on a popular talk show with co-star Fahad Mustafa, she highlighted the financial struggles faced by the industry’s unsung heroes.

While leading actors often sustain themselves comfortably, Mahira emphasized that junior artists, technicians, and supporting performers frequently work without the safety net of royalties or residual income. She noted 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 and technicians get left behind,” she said, drawing attention to the stark imbalance between visible stars and the teams that make productions possible.

Albanian actress sues government for using AI minister likeness

Mahira compared Pakistan’s industry to international standards, highlighting that while Hollywood and other markets aren’t perfect, they provide 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 explained.

Acknowledging that personal financial mismanagement can affect anyone, she underscored that a proper royalty system would at least offer a baseline of protection for those who rely on their craft for a living. She stressed that broadcasters benefit from multiple income streams—including ad revenue, syndication, and digital distribution—but much of this profit doesn’t reach the creators behind the content.

Mahira’s statements go beyond her own career, reflecting a growing call within Pakistan’s creative community for structural reforms, fair contracts, and a sustainable approach that values all contributors to television productions—not just the stars in front of the camera.