Netflix Actor and Hometown Favorite Humayun Saeed Shares the Struggles of Working Overseas

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Humayun Saeed Reflects on Global Representation, Pressures Abroad, and Upcoming Rom-Com ‘Love Guru’

Few stars in Pakistan’s entertainment industry have represented the country on a global stage quite like Humayun Saeed. Known to international audiences for his portrayal of Dr. Hasnat Khan in Season 5 of Netflix’s The Crown, the actor recently opened up about the experience and its emotional weight during an interview with the YouTube channel Filme Shilmy.

Though well-established as a household name in Pakistan, Humayun revealed that taking on an international role brought with it immense responsibility. “Whenever we step outside our borders, how we represent our country really matters,” he shared, noting that his performance in The Crown was approached with this mindset. “It was a significant role, and I put in a lot of effort because I knew the entire world would be watching.”

Despite the global spotlight, he expressed gratitude for the professionalism and support of the production team. “There was pressure, yes, but I was fortunate to work with people who were kind and understanding. They knew I came from a different country and was performing in a different language,” he said.

Humayun also emphasized that mutual professionalism made the experience smooth. “I did my part, and I believe that’s where our respect lies in our commitment and discipline,” he said. Praising the environment on set, he remarked on the punctuality and focus of the cast and crew. “Everything happened on schedule, people worked quietly, and the goal was to finish the work properly each day.”

While avoiding direct criticism of Pakistani productions, he subtly compared the experiences. “Of course, we try to follow the same here too,” he said. “But sometimes mistakes happen — they just don’t allow those mistakes over there.”

Love Guru and a Name’s Power

Humayun is now promoting his upcoming Eidul Azha romantic comedy Love Guru alongside co-star Mahira Khan. Interestingly, the film’s title has stirred some skepticism, owing to a poorly received past film of the same name. Humayun addressed this directly.

“Someone warned me against taking this film just because of the name,” he laughed. “But I’m confident in our movie. It’s good and I believe a film’s success makes the title memorable, not the other way around.”

He pointed to Punjab Nahi Jaungi as an example. “People questioned that name too,” he recalled. “But once it became a hit, everyone said the title was catchy. The truth is, if the film is strong, the name follows suit.”

Crafting the Role and Fine-Tuning Delivery

Reflecting on his character in Love Guru, Humayun spoke about the challenge of delivering lines with dramatic irony — when the audience knows the truth, but the characters do not.

“There are shades to this role that I don’t naturally relate to in my own speech,” he admitted. “So I often turned to [director Nadeem Baig] for guidance. He would help with timing and tone I’d just follow his direction. This film doesn’t lean heavily on comedy, so I had to bring in subtle touches, like delivering lies the characters believe, but the viewers can catch on to.”

Mahira Khan: Blending Character and Self

Sitting beside him, Mahira Khan discussed her own role in Love Guru, a character she believes audiences will relate to and support. Known for portraying complex and socially conscious roles, Mahira talked about merging personal insight with scripted characters.

“When you first read a script, you read it through your own lens,” she explained. “But then the director reminds you: this isn’t you it’s someone else.”

She acknowledged the balance between personal input and staying true to the character. “Sometimes, your perspective doesn’t fit — and that’s okay. You surrender to the role,” she said. Yet, in this case, Mahira managed to bring her own voice to the character. “She’s a modern, independent woman — a feminist. There were lines where I felt she wouldn’t say certain things, especially about other women. I pointed it out, and Nadeem agreed and made changes.”

Evolving Role Choices

Mahira also reflected on how her approach to roles has evolved. In the past, she prioritized films with powerful messages like Verna over lighter fare. But her mindset has since shifted.

“I used to feel a strong need to be part of meaningful cinema, even turning down easier roles. Now, I’ve realized it’s okay to explore the lighter side too,” she shared. “I no longer categorize roles as ‘serious’ or ‘easy’. Now it’s about what draws me in.”

With the release of Love Guru around the corner, it remains to be seen how audiences will connect with these layered characters but with stars like Humayun and Mahira leading the way, expectations are high.

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