Veteran actor reflects on his journey from factory floors to global screens
With the recent release of Love Guru and the much-anticipated Main Manto Nahi Hoon set to air this Friday, Humayun Saeed is as relevant today as he was when he first stepped into the spotlight nearly 30 years ago. Appearing on Geo Podcast with Mubashir, the celebrated actor opened up about his humble beginnings, the evolution of Pakistani entertainment, and his thoughts on the industry’s future.
From Factory Manager to TV Star
Before he became a household name, Saeed was working as a general manager at a factory, ensuring timely shipments—driven by the need to support his family, especially after his brother’s paralysis. “That job taught me the value of hard work,” he shared. A twist of fate came when he acted in a play at a factory celebration. His boss, who also happened to be a part-time model, encouraged him to try acting professionally. Soon after, he landed his debut role in the 1995 TV drama Karoron Ka Aadmi.
But Saeed didn’t share the news at home. “My father was religious and wouldn’t have approved, so I kept it secret,” he laughed. “But then people began telling him, ‘Your son looked great on TV.’ That’s when the cat was out of the bag.”
Though he didn’t initially plan to pursue acting full-time, the offers kept coming. Eventually, Saeed left his factory job and committed to acting.
Reviving Pakistani Cinema
Saeed was among the pioneers who dared to revive Pakistani cinema in the 2010s. His first major venture as a producer, Main Hoon Shahid Afridi (2013), was a financial risk. “I invested Rs700,000 and didn’t make much back,” he admitted. Still, he was undeterred.
His follow-up, Jawani Phir Nahi Aani (2015), proved him right. “That one cost Rs600,000 and earned around Rs5 million at the box office. Audiences are willing—if the content is right.”
Going solo with Punjab Nahi Jaungi in 2017, Saeed faced skepticism. “People told me it wouldn’t work with just one male lead. But it did—and it surpassed my earlier films in success.”
Industry Frustrations and Cross-Border Setbacks
Commenting on recent tensions between India and Pakistan, Saeed expressed disappointment over Sardaar Ji 3 being dropped from Indian cinemas due to Hania Amir’s involvement. “It’s heartbreaking,” he said. “The producers must have faced significant financial loss. Politics shouldn’t sabotage art.”
Inside Pakistan’s Drama Industry
Reflecting on his decades-long television career, Saeed acknowledged the financial constraints of local productions. “Pakistan produces some of the cheapest dramas in the world—but they’re still watched everywhere,” he remarked.
Drawing from his international experience—particularly playing Dr. Hasnat Khan in Netflix’s The Crown—Saeed offered a comparison: “Each episode had a new director with a full creative team behind them. That kind of infrastructure costs money. We have the talent, but we don’t invest at that scale yet. Imagine how far we could go if we did.”
Hollywood Moment and Personal Growth
The actor shared how he landed his role in The Crown. “I had COVID-19 when they first asked me to audition. I sent a recorded scene and was later called for a second round. Then weeks passed—until I finally got the call confirming I had been selected.”
Playing a Pakistani character on an international platform was a matter of pride for him. “It was a huge deal. And yes, there was a kissing scene—I was nervous—but the team had faith in me, and it all went smoothly.”
Looking Ahead
With Main Manto Nahi Hoon co-starring Sanam Saeed and Sajal Aly set to premiere this week, and Love Guru currently enjoying a strong run in cinemas worldwide, Saeed is not slowing down.
“I’ve got a couple of dramas nearing completion and I’m planning to release two films this year—one romantic, one action. I’ll be playing the lead in both,” he revealed with enthusiasm.
From sneaking into showbiz behind his father’s back to becoming a trailblazer in Pakistani film and TV, Humayun Saeed’s journey is a testament to passion, persistence, and the enduring appeal of stories told well—no matter the budget.
