Veteran actor Shaan Shahid has stirred fresh debate in Pakistan’s entertainment circles after candidly sharing his thoughts on the creative direction of the industry and the choices of some of its biggest stars.
Appearing on Rise & Shine, Shahid spoke openly about fellow actors Humayun Saeed and Fahad Mustafa, acknowledging their success but suggesting they tend to remain within familiar territory. According to him, while both actors excel at what they do, they appear more inclined to operate within their “comfort zones” rather than pushing the boundaries of their craft.
Despite the critique, Shahid maintained a respectful tone, emphasizing that collaboration always offers room to learn. However, he hinted that creative risk-taking, something he clearly values, is often missing from mainstream projects.
He argued that while production budgets in Pakistan have grown, the same cannot be said for creative thinking. For him, the industry has become increasingly obsessed with numbers, where box office figures overshadow storytelling. Referencing his recent film Bullah, he pointed out how a relatively modest budget project managed to deliver strong returns, underscoring his belief that substance defines success.
Interestingly, Shahid expressed a clear preference for Punjabi cinema, praising its raw connection with audiences. In his view, Punjabi films may lack massive budgets, but they continue to resonate because they prioritize storytelling over spectacle.
The conversation also turned nostalgic when host Nadia Khan brought up the possibility of reunions with iconic co-stars like Reema Khan and Saima Noor. Shahid admitted he would welcome such collaborations but pointed to deep-rooted divisions within the industry, particularly between Karachi and Lahore, as a major obstacle. He described the environment as fragmented, where individuals operate within their own spheres of influence rather than contributing to a unified creative space.
