Haroon Shahid criticises production houses over delayed payments

Actor-musician says shrinking revenue opportunities have pushed many independent musicians towards acting

Actor and musician Haroon Shahid has criticised financial exploitation in the entertainment industry, alleging that delayed payments have become routine and that many artists are left struggling to secure earnings they are contractually owed.

Speaking during a podcast interview, he said production houses frequently withhold payments for months, creating difficulties for performers and crew members alike.

"It's a pattern now. Production houses delay payments for months on end. Junior artists suffer the most, but even those of us who have established a name are left constantly chasing what is contractually ours," he said.

The actor alleged that a lack of accountability and transparency allows industry figures to exploit workers who fear professional repercussions if they speak out.

Shahid also reflected on the state of Pakistan's music industry, arguing that the economic model supporting independent musicians has largely collapsed.

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"The music industry is ending; there is simply no more financial scope in it for independent artists," he said, attributing the decline to shrinking live performance opportunities and the absence of reliable royalty structures.

According to Shahid, those pressures have pushed many musicians towards acting as a more sustainable source of income.

The former frontman of the band Symt also took aim at casting practices that prioritise social media popularity over acting ability. "An influencer or a TikToker cannot automatically be treated as an actor," he said. "An actor relies on craft, script comprehension and emotional depth."

He argued that selecting performers primarily on the basis of follower counts risks undermining both storytelling quality and the long-term health of the industry.

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Shahid began his acting career with a leading role opposite Mahira Khan in Shoaib Mansoor's 2017 film Verna. Reflecting on his early experiences, he recalled receiving advice from Mahira that continued to shape his approach to the profession.

According to Shahid, the actor encouraged him to stay grounded, focus on his craft and avoid allowing the industry's pressures to define his sense of worth.

The conversation also touched on Shahid's move from Lahore to Karachi, a transition he described as transformative for both his personal and professional life.

While Lahore remains closely tied to his roots, Shahid said Karachi provided the opportunities, connections and creative environment that helped him establish himself in the acting industry.

Despite its fast pace and unpredictability, he said the city eventually became a place he could call home.