Humayun Saeed, renowned actor and producer, has been entertaining us since decades. The actor appeared last year in Netflix’s giant hit ‘The Crown’, playing Princess Diana’s love interest, Dr. Hasnat. Elizabeth Debicki played Lady Diana. The pair’s on-screen chemistry blew fans away.
Humayun Saeed recently appeared on Mohib Mirza’s show, The Knock Knock Show, where he talked about how he got picked for ‘The Crown.’
“I got ‘The Crown’ by luck. Yes, I auditioned for the role because that’s the process. They watch an actor’s work and then choose. When I got the role, I was thrilled. But I felt a bit nervous when they asked me to audition. They gave me two scenes to prepare. Then my agent said, ‘There are eight actors from India and Pakistan, so get ready for auditions.’ First, I made it to the top five, and then I made it to the top two.”
British acting giant Olivia Colman and ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Derry Girls’ star Nicola Coughlan are among the 1000 artists who have signed a petition slamming Western institutions for aiding and abetting the “repressing, silencing and stigmatising of Palestinian voices and perspectives.” The letter includes signatures from ‘Sex Education’ star Aimee Lou Wood and multiple Emmy-award winner Harriet Walter.
“This includes targeting and threatening the livelihoods of artists and arts workers who express solidarity with Palestinians, as well as cancelling performances, screenings, talks, exhibitions and book launches.”
The letter shed light on the ongoing genocide of Gaza, where the death toll has crossed 15,000 civilian lives, with members of the Israeli government now openly calling for ethnic cleansing, and using starvation as a war weapon.
“The wholesale destruction of civilian infrastructure, the bombing of hospitals, schools, churches and mosques, the killing of 14,500 people in a matter of weeks, amount to a policy of collective punishment against the Palestinian people. The United Nations and hundreds of legal scholars have called on the international community to prevent genocide.”
The letter then proceeded to criticise the ongoing censorship and repression of voices, including Susan Sarandon, who was dropped by her agency, and actor Melissa Barrera, who was fired from the ‘Scream’ series for her vocal pro-Palestine posts.
“As artists and cultural workers,” the petition points out, “we stand in solidarity with those facing threats and intimidation in the workplace. The arts sector must urgently align its actions with its stated values of justice and inclusivity, and to refuse the dehumanisation of Palestinian people.”
The petition states that for artists to stay silent in the face of mass injustice and humanitarian crisis “would be an abrogation of moral duty”. It also pointed out that more artists are refusing to work with those institutions that are complicit in this heinous act.
The petition also shared four demands from the signatories which were:
– Publicly demand a permanent ceasefire. – Promote and amplify the voices of Palestinian artists, writers, and thinkers. – Stand up for artists and workers who voice their support for Palestinian rights. – Refuse collaborations with institutions or bodies that are complicit in severe human rights violations.
In an interview with Independent Urdu, Humayun Saeed opened up about playing Dr. Hasnat Khan in Season 5 of ‘The Crown’ and talked about the controversial kissing scenes between him and Elizabeth Debicki, which had been slammed by social media users in Pakistan on the double standards male and female actors are subjected to.
Saeed had played Dr Hasnat Khan, a Pakistani born British heart surgeon who had a romantic relationship with the late Lady Diana from 1995 to 1997, and was described by the Princess as “the love of her life.”
Addressing the controversy now, Saeed said that he didn’t face extreme public scrutiny like he had expected from Pakistanis:
“I am well aware that in our society such things aren’t acceptable for us, but my scene and the way we executed it was done in a tasteful manner. And there was not a lot of backlash from Pakistanis on that scene, because it wasn’t like the way they had thought.”
Previously, Saeed had revealed in the talk show ‘The Fourth Umpire’ that the kissing scene was not real, and it was staged to look like it was real.
Talking about how he took on the role of Hasnat, who is a private individual and has not publicly discussed his relationship with Diana, Saeed revealed:
“It was not necessary that I imitate his every single move. While we were shooting for ‘The Crown’, there were two or three options on how we should develop his character. We knew that he was very successful in his career, but in his relationship with Lady Diana he was very shy so we decided to capture that. Maybe in reality he wasn’t that shy in his relationship, but we decided to capture that.”
The reigning king of Pakistani cinema, Humayun Saeed is currently basking in the glory of his last blockbuster film London Nahi Jaunga and season 5 of Netflix’s globally successful web series, The Crown.
For his part in Season 5 of The Crown, Humayun Saeed recently disclosed on Mazaaq Raat that he had to go through several auditions. When he submitted his initial audition, he was shortlisted. When he was eventually chosen for the series, he then re-auditioned with a romance scene.
An extremely emotional moment that was left out of the series, according to Humayun Saeed, was also disclosed. They had to remove the sequence because they were unable to make the episodes of the television series longer than an hour. Diana informs Dr. Hasnat that she would be willing to convert to Islam for him at the moment. Although Humayun claimed to have appreciated the moment, it was ultimately removed.
Prior to the series’ release, Humayun chatted with Dawn’s Maliha Rehman and talked about Netflix’s award-winning juggernaut.
On being asked about the casting process, Humayun said, “It started with a call from Hamid Hussain, who is now my talent agent. He used to manage Bollywood star Nargis Fakhri, and I was in touch with him earlier to cast Nargis in my film. We had remained in touch since then.”
He added: “One evening, I got a call from him, and he informed me that there was a really important international project that he had in mind for me, but I would need to send an audition for it. I only remember auditioning for the first few projects at the start of my career, but I know this is a norm in the West and agreed to it.”
So, he sent the audition in, and soon after he was asked to do an online reading with Elizabeth Debicki, who jas essayed Princess Diana in the latest season. After ten days of waiting, he was told that he has bagged the role of Dr. Hasnat Khan.
‘The Crown’ follows the lives of the British Royal Family and Season 5 sees us in the 1990s nearing the end of Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s marriage. Enter Dr. Hasnat Ahmad Khan, played by Saeed, a British-Pakistani lung and heart surgeon who is most well-known for his romantic relationship with Princess Diana from 1995 to 1997, referred by her as “Mr. Wonderful”.
We just got a first glimpse of his character where he looks barely recognizable. Attention to detail in a show like ‘The Crown’ of course is incredible and it’s the same for Humayun’s look.
When asked about his research and prep work before stepping into the role, he had this to say:
“Before filming began, I got to do a workshop with a real surgeon in the UK to understand how a surgeon would behave and react on the job. Of course, I knew about Dr Hasnat Khan even before I got this role. After my casting was confirmed, the team shared research material with me on the doctor. It included a few interviews, as well as, some images.
“Dr Hasnat Khan is a very private person, which was why he and Princess Diana broke up — he couldn’t handle being in the limelight. Due to this, there is very limited material on him available in the public domain. So, I had to study whatever was shared with me in detail.”
Humayun, for most of his career, is seen playing the hero, so when asked about his transformation into a down-to-earth not very fashionable doctor, he had this to say:
“I would sometimes try to push up my hair right before a scene,” he laughs, “but the stylists on set would immediately notice and they would put my hair back in place. When I saw myself on screen for the first time, I was completely taken aback! I didn’t look like Humayun Saeed at all but like the doctor.
“On a serious note, the makers of ‘The Crown’ are extremely particular about details, and the look that they had created for the doctor had to be followed to the tee. It was very impressive seeing firsthand how they looked into every tiny nuance.”
Humayun also talked about how he could let his diet go for a change, seeing as how he’s often playing the hero which requires strict regimental diets.
“More than being intimidated, I feel that this show puts extra responsibility on anyone who is part of it,” he mused. “People naturally have strong feelings about characters in the show, and memories of the events that we are depicting. Also, some of the people we are representing are alive or have family members who are still alive and that means all of us who are part of this show has to take the responsibility of our roles seriously.”
He also lauded the screenwriter Peter Morgan for handling each character’s portrayal sensitively, calling it the show’s biggest highlight.
Speaking about the energy on set, Humayun revealed that most of his scenes were opposite Elizabeth Debicki, and that he was in awe of her commitment to her craft. Elizabeth of course, is best known for her work in ‘The Great Gatsby,’ ‘Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2’ and ‘Tenet.’
The artist doesn’t think that the series will give him a boost as an actor, rather he hopes to apply all his learnings from this experience to his future projects.
Pakistani superstar Humayun Saeed is essaying Dr Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s love interest in season five of the hit Netflix series, The Crown.
Saeed will be the second Pakistani to be cast in a Netflix Original which will premiere on 9th November 2022.
The actor will play alongside Australian actor Elizabeth Debicki who has been cast as Princess Diana.
Now Elizabeth has praised the London Nahi Jaunga hero in her latest interview, “I absolutely adored Humayun — he was such a lovely actor, and such a beautiful person,” she told Entertainment Weekly.
“You never know how that’s going to feel when you’re playing things like that with an actor. So I was very lucky to have him and I think he does such a beautiful job.”
When the news was confirmed earlier this year, Pakistani superstar Mahira Khan congratulated the Bin Roye hero.
Finaaaallly it’s out!!!! So proud! So excited!!! MashAllah mashAllah ✨ ♥️ What a show! What a star @iamhumayunsaeed@TheCrownNetflix
Dr Hasnat Khan, a British-Pakistani surgeon, is widely known for his romantic, two-year relationship with Diana. In May 1996, she visited his family in Lahore too. Diana’s friends are reported to have described Hasnat as the “love of her life” and to have spoken of her distress when he ended their relationship in June 1997. Dr Khan attended Diana’s funeral ceremony in September 1997.
Season 5 will be about the turmoil of Diana and Prince Charles’ marriage breakdown and the tragic death of Diana in August 1997.
Comedian and actor Aadi Adeal Amjad has responded to criticism over his recent sarcastic remarks on The Crown‘s casting. Many fans alleged that he has taken a jibe at A-list actress Sajal Aly by making a sarcastic post on her decision of rejecting a Hollywood movie.
Aadi clarified that his joke wasn’t intended for Sajal.
Earlier the Beinteha star took to his Instagram stories to state that he rejected Netflix’s The Crown due to a bold scene with actor Humayun Saeed.
The Punjab Nahi Jaungi star has been roped in to play Dr Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s love interest in Season five of the hit Netflix series The Crown.
The Yeh Dil Mera diva opened up on rejecting a Hollywood film in a recent interview, stating that she turned it down due to a particular intimate scene in the film. The Mom star termed it as a very bold scene and even the idea of using a body double didn’t convince her.
“If an actor is lucky, he or she gets offered more international work but, regardless, I would never turn my back on my own industry. All the international work that has come my way has been because those filmmakers had seen my work in Pakistan. And when I go abroad, I do so as a Pakistani. I want to keep contributing and giving back to my industry with the work that I do.”
Actor Humayun Saeed has been roped in to play Dr Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s love interest in Season five of the hit Netflix series The Crown.
Journalist Hasan Zaidi confirmed the news last night after speculations had risen that actor Fawad Khan would be seen as Dr Khan in the Netflix drama.
“Was holding back the information until Netflix officially came on the record but, since speculation was rife, it’s only a matter of time”, Zaidi tweeted.
Senior actor and director Sakina Samo took to her twitter handle to condemn the choice of casting by the Netflix makers.
She suggested the name of Humsafar star Fawad Khan in place of Humayun.
On the contrary former host and actor Noor Bukhari disagreed with the Dobara diva. She stated that the Meray Paas Tum Ho star is the best choice for the film.
Now actor Ahmad Ali Butt has shared his opinion on Sakina’s remarks.
Host and actor Anoushey Ashraf also agreed to Ahmad’s point and cheered Humayun for bagging the part.
Comedian and actor Aadi Adeal Amjad has taken a jibe at A-list actress Sajal Aly by making a sarcastic post on her recent statement.
The Beinteha star took to his Instagram stories to state that he rejected Netflix’s The Crown due to a bold scene with actor Humayun Saeed.
The Punjab Nahi Jaungi star has been roped in to play Dr Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s love interest in Season five of the hit Netflix series The Crown.
The Yeh Dil Mera diva opened up on rejecting a Hollywood film in a recent interview, stating that she turned it down due to a particular intimate scene in the film. The Mom star termed it as a very bold scene and even the idea of using a body double didn’t convince her.
“If an actor is lucky, he or she gets offered more international work but, regardless, I would never turn my back on my own industry. All the international work that has come my way has been because those filmmakers had seen my work in Pakistan. And when I go abroad, I do so as a Pakistani. I want to keep contributing and giving back to my industry with the work that I do.”
Actor Humayun Saeed has been roped in to play Dr Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s love interest in Season five of the hit Netflix series The Crown.
Journalist Hasan Zaidi confirmed the news last night after speculations had risen that actor Fawad Khan would be seen as Dr Khan in the Netflix drama.
“Was holding back the information until Netflix officially came on the record but, since speculation was rife, it’s only a matter of time”, Zaidi tweeted.
Senior actor and director Sakina Samo took to her twitter handle to condemn the choice of casting by the Netflix makers.
She suggested the name of Humsafar star Fawad Khan in place of Humayun.
Saeed will be the first Pakistani to be cast in a Netflix Original which will premier in November 2022. The actor will play alongside Australian actor Elizabeth Debicki who has been cast as Princess Diana.
BIG BREAKING: Can confirm that the next season of Netflix’s The Crown @TheCrownNetflix will also star our very own @iamhumayunsaeed. He will be playing surgeon Dr Hasnat Ahmed, Lady Diana’s alleged ‘true love’ who she apparently called “Mr Wonderful.” pic.twitter.com/ChrsVqnCcK
Following the news, Pakistani actor Mahira Khan congratulated her industry fellow.
However, both Saeed and Netflix haven’t confirmed the news yet.
Dr Hasnat Khan, a British-Pakistani surgeon, is widely known for his romantic, two-year relationship with Diana. In May 1996, she visited his family in Lahore too. Diana’s friends are reported to have described Hasnat as the “love of her life” and to have spoken of her distress when he ended their relationship in June 1997. Dr Khan attended Diana’s funeral ceremony in September 1997.
Season 5 will be about the turmoil of Diana and Prince Charles’ marriage breakdown and the tragic death of Diana in August 1997.
On the work front, Samina can be seen currently in HUM TV’s Dobara costarring Bilal Abbas Khan and Hadiqa Kiani.
Environmentalist activist and former cricketer Wasim Akram’s wife Shaniera Akram reacted to the news about Lady Diana’s close friend Jemima Goldsmith leaving the English Netflix show ‘The Crown’.
Goldsmith told The Sunday Times that she pulled out after Diana’s story was not handled “as respectfully or compassionately” as she had hoped.
“It was really important to me that the final years of my friend’s life be portrayed accurately and with compassion, as has not always happened in the past,” she added.
“In 2019, Peter Morgan asked me to co-write on the fifth series of ‘The Crown’, particularly those episodes which concerned Princess Diana’s last years before she died,” she said. “After a great deal of thought, having never spoken publicly about any of this before, I decided to contribute.”
“I requested that all my contributions be removed from the series and I declined a credit,” Jemima told the British Newspaper.
On the contrary, a spokesperson for ‘The Crown’ claimed that Jemima has never been contacted as a writer on the series.
“Jemima Khan has been a friend, fan and a vocal public supporter of ‘The Crown’ since season one. She has been part of a wide network of well-informed and varied sources who have provided extensive background information to our writers and research team, providing context for the drama that is ‘The Crown’,” he added.
Australian Actor Elizabeth Debicki is set to play Lady Diana in the next series which is expected to premiere in November 2022.
