Humayun Saeed

Humayun Saeed (born Humayun Saeed Ansari: 27 July 1971) is a Pakistani actor and producer. Saeed is also a co-founder of the media production house Six Sigma Plus which produces television drama serials and commercial movies. He has appeared in dozens of Pakistani television dramas and limited number of films, and earned numerous accolades, including Lux Style Awards and ARY Film Awards Saeed has a substantial fan following in Pakistan since the beginning of his career and he was often ranked amongst the highest paid TV actors of his time. Widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of Pakistan. In recent years, he has starred in a number of commercially successful films. He is often called as Box Office King in Pakistan.

Saeed was born on 27 July 1971 in Karachi into "a liberal and well-educated Punjabi family." Saeed attended Nasra School in Karachi where he excelled in his studies and earned the distinction throughout his academic career till matriculation. Later he enrolled himself at a prominent institution St. Patrick's college in Karachi and earned a bachelor's degree in commerce. Saeed stated he was happily employed at a garments factory, as a general manager, before he got into the showbizness. He described himself as "shy" when growing up. He said in an interview, at early age my parents were against. They did not support my showbiz career. But with the passage of time, with my great efforts they understand me. Now they have proud on me. On the other side, my wife is associated to very conservative family. She has lot of problems at initial stage but now she has maturity level.

Debut and breakthrough

Saeed began his career as a television producer in the late 80s. His maiden production did not produce favorable results. After stepping into showbiz, Saeed's powerful presence caught the eye of directors and he was cast in the TV shows for acting roles. He made his acting debut in 1995 with Karooron Ka Aadmi, followed by Ye Jahaan, a musical that was telecast in 1996. The same year he was declared best actor for his performance in Ab Tum Ja Saktay Ho, directed by Mehreen Jabbar, in which he was cast opposite Sania Saeed and Khalida Riyasat. Saeed continued doing TV productions alongside. He partnered with Sultana Siddiqui in late 90s and then Abdullah Kadwani in 2000s for his production companies. He is hailed as one of the most successful producers of the current time. DAWN newspaper wrote "Enter the world of Humayun Saeed; where acting acumen is merged with a flair for business, benchmarks are set while new projects are constantly underway, and brooding romanticism rules supreme. After 15-odd years in the business, he is indubitably at the top of his game". Saeed's notable TV work as an actor includes Mehndi, Doraha, Kabhi Kabhi Pyar Mein, Kaafir, Uraan, Hum Se Juda Na Hona, Ladies Park, Dillagi and guest roles in Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan and Daam. Saeed starred in the Hadiqa Kiani's award-winning music video in 2005 called Iss Baar Milo, directed by Jami. Saeed has made appearance on reality shows like Living on the edge as a participant. He also judged a dancing reality show on ARY Digital in 2009.

Films

Saeed made his film debut in 1999 with Samina Peerzada's movie Inteha. He portrayed the negative role in Inteha and went on to receive the National Award – Best Actor – for his role in his very first film. Due to poor conditions of Pakistan Film Industry at that time, he did only limited number of movies until the revival of cinema began in 2013. He has done many movies since the resurgence of cinema in 2013. These include commercially successful films such as Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, Bin Roye, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and Punjab Nahi Jaungi. His film Jawani Phir Nahi Ani holds the record of being the fourth highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time, while his another film Punjab Nahi Jaungi has been declared as the second highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time and the highest-grossing film of 2017 in Pakistani cinema. In 2018, he starred in film Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2. As of 2019, the film is the highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time. After its huge box office success, he announced three more films in an interview with Dawn Images, saying that third film in JPNA franchise is in plans to be out "in two years", while he added, "we're working on two other films, one's being written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and the other by Vasay Chaudhry." In 2020, he will appear in Nadeem Baig's London Nahi Jaunga.

Awards

Saeed is one of the most decorated Pakistani actors. He has received numerous award nominations and honours including a minimum of 5 Lux Style Awards. He received special recognition awards at Pakistan Achievement Awards 2015 UK and Europe and at 4th Hum Awards in 2016 for his invaluable contribution towards revival of Pakistani cinema. Saeed's film Jawani Phir Nahi Ani swept the ARY Film Awards ceremony with total of 17 awards, also earning him the award for the best male actor in a leading role.

Other awards and honours

• Best actor for musical telefilm Zeher by Yasir Akhtar
• Best Actor Award at Pakistan Achievement Awards (2015)
• Recognition for contribution to Pakistani cinema