KARACHI: Veteran Pakistani actor and filmmaker Shaan Shahid has criticised the growing trend of TikTok personalities entering the television drama industry, saying social media fame alone cannot guarantee a lasting career.
During an interview, Shaan was asked about the increasing number of TikTokers moving into mainstream acting.
“Your camera, your circus,” he responded, adding, “Jo dil karta hai karein, I can’t say anything.”
Shaan suggested that the trend was temporary and would eventually fade if newcomers failed to develop their acting skills and understand the craft.
“Jo ye kar rahe hain, karte jayein, it’s not gonna last,” he said.
He argued that instant popularity could provide opportunities but would not necessarily translate into longevity in the entertainment industry.
“The temporary phase will fade away,” Shaan said, asking how many newcomers audiences could actually remember after their initial rise to fame.
He stressed that performers who do not learn their craft may eventually question why their careers lasted only one or three years despite achieving early success.
Referring to the importance of artistic training, Shaan pointed to enduring work from previous generations, noting that audiences continue to listen to legendary singer Noor Jehan’s songs because of the skill and artistry behind them.
Shaan Shahid has been a prominent figure in Pakistan’s film industry for decades, working as an actor, writer and director.
