THE CROWN OF COOL
THE WEEK India|January 01, 2023
Humayun Saeed on landing a Netflix hit, his measured approach to acting, and the kiss that could have been controversial
PUJA AWASTHI
THE CROWN OF COOL

August, 2021.

It was the worst of times for Humayun Saeed, actor, producer and entrepreneur. He had fever, burning eyes and crushing fatigue-he was just recovering from a nasty case of Covid.

Yet, it was the best of times. Saeed was up for a final meeting with the makers of The Crown, the hit Netflix series that premiered in 2016. The fifth season of the show was starting production, and he was being considered for the role of Dr Hasnat Khan, a British-Pakistani surgeon who dated Princess Diana shortly before her death. The meeting happened in the basement of his Karachi home, with him crouched over a screen as the unstable internet connection played havoc with the audio and video. He relaxed only after the producers said, "Fantastic." "I was hopeful that the role would be mine," says Saeed, who had earlier passed two rounds of auditions. The first was a solo bit, where Khan explains heart surgery. The second was Khan chatting with Diana, played by Elizabeth Debicki, near a vending machine.

After the audition, Saeed told his agent to call him only if the part was his. Two weeks went without any call. "Yet, I still imagined him calling me and saying 'Congratulations' as his first word. That is exactly what happened," he chuckles.

Saeed, 51, is one of the biggest names in Pakistan's entertainment industry. In his last television drama, Mere Paas Tum Ho, he played a cuckold. Such was its popularity that the final episode was screened in cinemas. Thanks to TV dramas such as Ishq Junoon Deewangi (2009) and films like Bin Roye (2015), he has a large fan base in India as well.

Known to be shy, Saeed was initially out of sorts on the sets of The Crown. Debicki reassured him that Peter Morgan, the creator, loved him. "One day, while giving her cues, I missed one line and was profusely apologetic. She said it was the best that could have happened, for I was so focused on not forgetting my dialogues. That put me at ease," he says.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 01, 2023-Ausgabe von THE WEEK India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 01, 2023-Ausgabe von THE WEEK India.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS THE WEEK INDIAAlle anzeigen
PEP'S CUBS
THE WEEK India

PEP'S CUBS

Pep Guardiola moulded two Ballon d'Or winners. And he had different methods for Messi and Rodri

time-read
7 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
She sets sail
THE WEEK India

She sets sail

While the number of women in the Indian maritime sector is growing, experts call for a safe and supportive ecosystem

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Taking the sea ashore...
THE WEEK India

Taking the sea ashore...

...and into space. Commander Abhilash Tomy's take on how lessons from sailing can be applied in diverse areas

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
FAIR WINDS
THE WEEK India

FAIR WINDS

THE WEEK's Maritime Conclave 2024 saw movers and shakers from the sector talk about reclaiming India's ocean legacy

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Leadership vacuum
THE WEEK India

Leadership vacuum

With Palaniswami struggling to establish a hold over the AIADMK, calls for the return of expelled leaders grow stronger

time-read
8 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
ISI working with pro-Khalistan elements in Canada
THE WEEK India

ISI working with pro-Khalistan elements in Canada

Once celebrated as a land of opportunity for Punjabi immigrants, Canada is turning into no-go zone over allegations that violent crime, gang networks and extremism are gaining root in the country. As Canada comes under scrutiny from Indian officials who claim it has become a ‘safe haven’ for criminals and separatist elements targeting India, the outcome can have serious repercussions. India believes that Canada is harbouring dangerous individuals and groups with strong ties to organised crime and pro-Khalistan networks. Punjab has felt the consequences most acutely.

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Return of the native
THE WEEK India

Return of the native

As Canada makes life difficult for immigrants, Punjab witnesses a reversal in brain drain and a possible change in political equations

time-read
4 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Ladies first
THE WEEK India

Ladies first

Why the major parties in Jharkhand are going all out to woo women this election season

time-read
3 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
WOO AND WIN
THE WEEK India

WOO AND WIN

Recent developments have split the Maratha vote. The party that better articulates its engagement with the community's concerns stands to benefit

time-read
6 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024
Countdown to a north-south issue
THE WEEK India

Countdown to a north-south issue

Aastha Arora, India’s one-billionth baby, turned 24 on May 11. The world's eight-billionth babies will turn three on November 15. There were two claimants—one born in the Philippines, the other in the Dominican Republic.

time-read
2 Minuten  |
November 17, 2024