Photo: Instagram/Humayun Saeed
Cover Photo: Instagram/Humayun Saeed

The Crown will be Humayun Saeed’s first global acting role since his career began

As we continue to gear up for season five of The Crown which is set to premiere in November this year, it has been confirmed that Pakistani actor and producer, Humayun Saeed, has been cast into the role of Doctor Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s love interest. 

Don’t miss: Imelda Staunton in ‘The Crown’ Season 5: All About Her Role as Queen Elizabeth II

Saeed, who is primarily a familiar face in the Pakistani film and television scene, will play the British-Pakistani heart surgeon who used to practise at London’s Royal Brompton Hospital.

In 2004, the real-life Dr Khan made a statement to the Metropolitan Police which was submitted in 2008 in an inquest into Princess Diana’s death. He stated that he had been in a relationship with the late princess from 1995 to 1997. 

Princess Diana reportedly ended their relationship when she met Dodi Fayed while she was on vacation. Fayed, who will be played by Khalid Abdalla, died alongside Princess Diana in a tragic car accident in Paris in 1997.

While Saeed will clearly be taking on a key role, little is still known about Netflix’s latest addition. 

Keep reading to find out who he is and what his key career highlights have been prior to being cast on The Crown

Don’t miss: #Tatlergram: A Look Back at Kate Middleton’s Most Iconic Moments in Asia on Her 40th Birthday

1. He worked at a garment factory before entering show business

Unlike many actors, Saeed did not start his career out by taking on acting school. Rather, he enrolled in St. Patrick’s college in Karachi and earned his bachelor’s degree in commerce.

He then started working at a garment factory as a general manager. 

According to Saeed in past interviews, when he decided to move into the entertainment industry, his parents were initially against it and it took a long time for them to understand his passion and begin supporting him. 

2. Humayun began acting in the 1990s

Saeed started his career in the show business as a television producer in the late 1980s. He then debuted as an actor in 1999 with an Urdu film titled Inteha.

He then went on to star in numerous films and television shows such as Jashnn, Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, Project Ghazi, Kaafir, Neeyat and more.

Some of his latest work includes Jeeto Pakistan League, a sports reality show where he stars as himself, and Main Manto Nahin Houn, a romantic drama that is still in production. 

The Crown will be Saeed’s first global show since his career began.

3. He is best known for his performance in the film 'Jawani Phir Nahi Ani'

In 2015, Saeed starred in a Pakistani adventure comedy entitled Jawani Phir Nahi Ani. He co-produced the film as well as played the role of Shereyar, a divorce lawyer. 

The show follows Shereyar as he takes three of his married friends on a trip to escape their wives and the monotony of life. 

The film quickly became the highest-grossing Pakistani film at that time and earned the star Pakistan’s ARY award for best actor.

He later starred in the film’s 2018 sequel, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2. This has probably been Saeed’s greatest success in his acting career so far.

4. He is highly decorated

As one of the most notable names in the Pakistani film and television scene, Saeed is also, naturally, very decorated. 

He has won multiple awards at the ARY Film Awards, the Lux Style Awards, the Hum Awards and more. 

Most of his accolades are for the best actor award, which he frequently wins or is nominated for. 

He has also been awarded the Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan, a civil award given to Pakistani citizens who have achieved great merit in literature, arts, sports, medicine or science.

5. He co-founded a media production house

Six Sigma Plus is an independent Pakistani film and television production company that was founded by Saeed and his co-founder, Shahzad Nasib, in 2010. 

It was formed because Saeed wanted to work on his own entertainment projects besides acting.

Today, Six Sigma Plus is one of Pakistan’s biggest drama and film production companies and has produced films and television shows such as Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2, Amanat, Isteqamat, Pardes and more. 

Topics