Pakistani superstar Humayun Saeed, widely known for his stellar performances at home, has also made a mark on international screens—most notably as Dr Hasnat Khan in Season 5 of Netflix’s acclaimed series The Crown. But with global exposure comes global pressure.
In a recent interview on the YouTube channel Filme Shilmy, Humayun opened up about the emotional weight and responsibility that comes with representing Pakistan on a global platform.
“When you’re working abroad, representation matters immensely,” he shared. “Playing Dr Hasnat in The Crown was a huge responsibility. I gave it everything I had, knowing the entire world would be watching.”
Despite the high stakes, Humayun praised the professionalism and support of the international cast and crew. He noted how accommodating and respectful they were of his background, especially since he was working in a different language and cultural environment.
“Yes, the pressure was real,” he admitted. “But the people I worked with made it easier. They understood I was from another country, and they supported me fully.”
Saeed also emphasized that respect is earned through professionalism, both on and off screen.
“Work ethic matters,” he stressed. “When we step into another country, our behavior, punctuality, and dedication define how we—and our country—are perceived.”
He subtly compared the work culture abroad with that of Pakistan, acknowledging differences in consistency and discipline while diplomatically pointing out room for improvement back home.
On Titles, Expectations, and the Upcoming Film Love Guru
Shifting gears to his next project, Saeed is currently promoting his upcoming Eid-ul-Azha romantic comedy, Love Guru, alongside Mahira Khan. The film’s title, however, has sparked some discussion.
“Someone warned me against doing a film called Love Guru because there was an older film by that name which didn’t do well,” he recalled. “But our Love Guru is entirely different—and actually good!”
Humayun stood firm in his belief that content outweighs titles. He cited his past blockbuster Punjab Nahi Jaungi as an example.
“People initially criticized the name Punjab Nahi Jaungi too, but once the film became a hit, the title became iconic. It’s the quality of the film that matters most.”