COVER STORY
One of the most prominent names in the Pakistani entertainment industry, Humayun Saeed has established a remarkable career on both the big screen and the small. Since making his television debut in the mid ‘90s, the actor has gone on to star in dramas like Ishq Junoon Deewangi (2009), Uraan (2010 – 2011), and Meray Paas Tum Ho (2019 – 2020), and has also conquered cinema, appearing in some of the most popular and financially successful films in the country’s history, including Bin Roye (2015), Jawani Phir Nahi Ani (2015) as well as its 2018 sequel, and Punjab Nahi Jaungi (2017) and its spin-off London Nahi Jaunga (2022).
A superstar at home, the actor has also ventured into international waters, making his English-language debut last year in the Netflix historical drama The Crown, wherein he portrayed the character of Princess Diana’s paramour, Dr. Hasnat Khan.
In a chat with Us Magazine, Humayun sheds light on traversing the world of acting and takes a stroll down memory lane as he reminisces about his teen years.
Q&A
Us: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue acting as a career?
Humayun Saeed: After seeing the response to my first two plays, I decided that I must pursue acting as a career.
Us: Did you get any formal training as an actor? How important do you feel such training is for actors?
HS: No, I did not take any formal training. Training is important but what you learn on the job is perhaps more valuable. It’s a long learning process which requires tremendous focus, attention, and hard work in addition to formal training.
Us: What is something you learned early on in your career? And what is something you wish you had learned sooner?
HS: That hard work is important, but later on I realised the choices you make are equally important.
Us: Do you feel that looks and connections are important in show business?
HS: Only if you’re talented.
Us: How has social media changed things for you?
HS: It has made it possible for fans to engage with us even when we are not continuously working.
Us: What is the funniest rumour or gossip you have heard about yourself?
HS: That Meera and I had gotten married.
Us: How do you deal with self-doubt?
HS: I discuss my concerns with my family and friends and take into account their feedback.
Us: Any advice for aspiring actors?
HS: Focus on your core job, which is acting. Try to learn more about the craft every single day and work hard on enhancing your acting skills and never think you know it all.
Date of birth and star
27th July, Leo.
The best thing about being a teenager was
No stress about work.
The worst thing about being a teenager was
Had to study.
I was always listening to
Songs on the radio.
I was glued to the T.V. for
Used to watch lots of movies on VCR.
My favourite movie was
The Godfather.
My favourite actor was
Al Pacino.
My favourite book was
The Inspector Jamshed series by Ishtiaq Ahmed.
My favourite superhero was
Spider-Man.
My favourite sport was
Cricket.
My room was full of
Film cassettes.
My room walls carried the posters of
Cricket players.
My closet was full of
Running shoes.
My friends were
My cricket buddies.
My first crush was
Julia Roberts.
What hurt me the most was
My brother’s accident.
My dream was to become
A pilot.
I wish I had known then that
There’s a lot more to learn in life.
Relations with siblings were
As an older brother, I was very protective of them.
Relations with parents were
I was their most obedient child.
My school was
My one favourite place to be at.
Ragging at college/university was
Never faced it or was part of it.
My favourite subject was
Maths.
My least favourite subject was
Physics.
I couldn’t stand
The fact that I didn’t get permission to play night matches.
My favourite hangout was
The cricket ground.
My favourite food/dish was
Biryani.
My favourite pastime was
Watching movies and playing cricket
I learned that
One must work hard to achieve their goals.