Humayun Saeed

Early life and family

Saeed was born on 27 July 1971 to a Muslim family in Karachi. 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. Saeed is married to Samina Humayun Saeed.

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. "Ye Jahaan", a musical that was telecast in 1996 became his debut. 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 (drama), Doraha (TV series), "Kabhi Kabhi Pyar Mein", Kaafir (TV series), Uraan, "Hum Se Juda Na Hona" "Ladies Park", "Dillagi" and guest roles in Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan and Daam. 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 3 movies since the resurgence of cinema in 2013, Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, Bin Roye, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, all 3 of them were declared commercially successful. His film Jawani Phir Nahi Ani holds the record of highest-grossing film of all time on Pakistani box office.

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