Summary Senior star also addresses young actors seeking opportunities across the border
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistani actor, writer and director Shaan Shahid has questioned the growing presence of social media personalities in the country’s mainstream entertainment industry, saying instant popularity does not necessarily translate into a lasting career.
Speaking in a recent podcast on Dunya TV’s The Anchorman, hosted by Ali Sohail, the veteran actor discussed the changing dynamics of Pakistan’s entertainment landscape, where TikTokers, YouTubers, influencers and other digital creators are increasingly moving from social media platforms into television and cinema.
Shaan said he did not believe he could control who was being cast in films or television projects, stressing that individuals were free to make their own professional choices.
However, he raised questions about whether sudden online popularity could provide the foundation for a sustainable career in acting and entertainment.
‘Your camera, your circus’
Addressing the increasing crossover between social media and mainstream showbiz, Shaan took a blunt approach to the issue.
“Your camera, your circus,” he said, adding that people could do what they wanted because he had no control over their decisions.
His comments came while discussing the emergence of a new generation of public figures whose careers have been built largely through digital platforms. According to the discussion, many young people now identify themselves as public figures, content creators, influencers or personalities associated with fashion and online entertainment.
The actor questioned why so many members of the younger generation appeared eager to pursue these routes, particularly when social media platforms can offer a quick path to recognition.
He suggested that the attraction of online fame should not be confused with the acquisition of professional expertise.
For Shaan, popularity can create an immediate opportunity, but the ability to remain relevant depends on whether an individual develops the necessary skills and understanding of the craft. He argued that people who become successful without learning their art may eventually find themselves questioning why their careers lasted only a year or a few years.
Fame versus craft
Shaan emphasised the difference between becoming popular through a viral moment and building a career around genuine artistic ability. He described the initial wave of social media popularity as powerful, but maintained that temporary fame eventually fades when it is not supported by talent, training and knowledge.
The actor pointed towards established figures from Pakistan’s artistic history as examples of careers that survived well beyond their original period of popularity.
He specifically referred to legendary singers Mehdi Hassan and Noor Jehan, noting that audiences continue to listen to their music decades later. According to Shaan, their enduring appeal was linked to their understanding of music and the training they received. He referred to their knowledge of musical fundamentals, including sur and raag, to underline the importance of learning the craft rather than relying solely on public attention.
He also suggested that internationally recognised singers generally undergo substantial preparation before achieving sustained success, pointing to the importance of practice and musical knowledge.
His argument was that a viral video or a sudden surge in followers can open a door, but it cannot by itself guarantee longevity in an industry where audiences eventually demand substance and ability.
Shaan also questioned how many names from previous waves of online popularity people can still remember, using that point to highlight the difference between temporary visibility and a career that remains relevant over time.
Digital stars entering cinema
The discussion comes as the boundary between social media fame and conventional Pakistani entertainment continues to become less distinct.
Digital creators who initially built audiences through platforms such as TikTok and YouTube are increasingly being considered for television and film projects.
One example mentioned in the supplied material is YouTuber Rajab Butt, who is set to appear on the big screen alongside actress Amar Khan in an upcoming Pakistani film. The film is being directed by Syed Faisal Bukhari, while its screenplay has been written by Sarmad Ibrahim.
The actor maintained that he could not dictate how the industry should operate or determine which individuals should receive opportunities. Instead, his emphasis remained on the importance of acquiring knowledge and developing artistic ability.
Shaan is one of Pakistan’s prominent film actors, writers and directors and has starred in more than 500 films since making his debut in 1990.
Working in India
During the same interview, Shaan also addressed the recurring discussion around Pakistani actors seeking work in India. He took issue with the idea that an actor should have no boundaries when it comes to professional opportunities, arguing that practical realities become clear when questions of visas and cross-border access arise.
Shaan said he did not interfere in the choices of actors who wanted to travel to India for work, stressing that their careers and decisions belonged to them. However, he questioned why Indian productions would necessarily need to recruit Pakistani performers when India already has a large pool of actors entering the industry.
He pointed out that hundreds of actors emerge in India every month, raising the question of what circumstances would lead an Indian production to specifically seek talent from Pakistan.
His comments also reflected his personal position on accepting work in India.
Shaan recalled that his father had made a film about Kashmir and explained that this family connection shaped how he viewed certain professional decisions. He said he felt a responsibility to carry the image and legacy associated with his father rather than treating such matters as something confined to the past.
The actor also referred to the historical and political differences between Pakistan and India, particularly the Kashmir issue, while explaining his perspective. He noted that Pakistanis had celebrated developments connected with wars involving India and Pakistan, arguing that people on the other side could hold similarly strong feelings about Pakistan.
Shaan’s remarks came in response to repeated questions about opportunities in Bollywood, including reports that he had once been approached for a role in the Indian film Ghajini. He said he had previously addressed the matter and indicated that he did not regard the opportunity as something that required repeated discussion.
