I was, and still am, incredibly shy: Humayun Saeed
In a surprising revelation that might catch the attention of fans who have closely followed his career from “Ab Tum Le Saktay Ho” to “The Crown,” Humayun disclosed in his characteristically understated tone, “I used to be very shy. I still am, you know. I’m better now, but still shy.” Reflecting on his youth and the first girl who ever captured his heart, Humayun reminisced, “She helped me come out of my shell. I even taught her how to drive. It was a completely different vibe back then.”
Despite his past shyness, Humayun remains committed to Samina today, asserting that she is the only woman in his life. Content in their nearly thirty-year-long relationship, the actor quipped, “There’s no room for any adventures anymore – I’m too scared of my wife!”
While Humayun’s marriage is solid, he shared advice drawn from his own successful relationship, emphasizing the importance of offering praise and acceptance. “My biggest fear is upsetting or losing the people I love,” he confessed. “And I believe that to sustain love, you need to appreciate your partner. Give them your time. Take care of them. Overlook their flaws and love them despite their imperfections.”
Despite rumors of infidelity, Humayun clarified that he is committed to only one woman, Samina. He mentioned that they would have loved to have children but accept that parenthood hasn’t been part of their journey. “I adore all children, but it hasn’t been in our destiny. It’s Allah’s plan,” he stated.
With the ease of someone who wears his marriage like a comfortable garment, Humayun spoke candidly about life with Samina. “She’s never been fond of having her picture taken, but occasionally she’ll post a selfie,” he remarked when discussing the ups and downs of social media. “I do believe social media has become a significant part of our lives, but it can also be positive. Getting validation from people, like when someone likes your photo, can bring joy.”
While social media can provide a mood boost, Humayun cautioned against the dangers of rumors, often originating from these platforms, which can ensnare even the most innocent individuals. “When I was younger, rumors or scandals didn’t bother me,” he reflected. “I used to brush them off, saying they didn’t matter. But now, I realize the impact these lies spread on social media can have on my family. People believe whatever they read, but my family shouldn’t suffer due to baseless rumors!”
Despite his commitment to his family’s well-being, Humayun had to set aside his concerns when he decided to pursue acting. Initially keeping his acting aspirations a secret from his family, he was surprised by the positive response he received after his first play. “I was working in a garment factory at the time,” he reminisced. “But when people started praising my performance, I was shocked. I never imagined anyone would respond to me as an actor.”
Driven by this early success, Humayun realized acting was his true calling. Although he initially leaned towards film, he recognized the vast opportunities in Pakistan’s television drama industry. “I always wanted to be a producer,” he explained. “And as I began acting, production opportunities also came my way.”
Acknowledging the pivotal support of actors like Nadia Jamil and Sania Saeed in his early career, Humayun expressed gratitude for their guidance. “They, along with Mehreen Jabbar and of course Samina, helped shape my career,” he acknowledged.
Today, Humayun finds himself in a mentorship role for younger actors, ensuring they feel comfortable and supported on set. “I’m friendly with all my younger co-stars,” he affirmed. “It’s important to be their friend and look out for them.”
While newer actors may face accusations of becoming arrogant quickly, Humayun views their journey with understanding. “We lack a proper audition or training system for actors,” he explained. “So when producers spot potential, they jump on it, leading these actors to receive many offers. The workload today is much higher, and it’s natural for them to feel like superstars. It’s okay.”
Despite being a superstar in Pakistan’s television industry, Humayun has never been tempted by offers from Bollywood. “To be honest, I’ve never received a significant offer from there, and I’ve never been interested. I want to focus on my career in Pakistan.”
With his commanding presence on set and his commitment to nurturing upcoming talent, Humayun’s enduring presence in the industry is evident.
