Humayun Saeed calls for Pakistan’s own OTT platform to take dramas global
Pakistani actor and producer Humayun Saeed has called for the establishment of a local over-the-top (OTT) streaming platform, saying it could help Pakistani dramas reach wider audiences and eventually attract international platforms such as Netflix.
In an interview with Ali Salman, Saeed discussed the distinctive style of Pakistani dramas, the challenges facing the country’s streaming industry, the growing role of social media in discovering talent and the lessons he learnt while working on Netflix’s The Crown.
Saeed said Pakistani dramas had a distinct identity shaped by their writing, dialogue delivery and use of Urdu.
He believes existing productions could find an audience on international streaming platforms despite differences in storytelling styles.
“If you are saying the dramas we have already made should go on Netflix, then yes. We do have our own style,” he said.
He suggested political considerations might influence Netflix’s approach to Pakistan but acknowledged that he was uncertain when local productions might become available on the platform.
Instead, Saeed emphasised the need to establish a Pakistani OTT service that would give local filmmakers and actors a platform to showcase their work.
He pointed to India’s experience, saying local streaming services had helped create opportunities for productions before international platforms expanded their presence.
He also urged the government to take greater attention to and support to the entertainment industry.
Social media creates opportunities for new actors
Saeed said social media had changed how aspiring actors entered the entertainment industry, allowing them to showcase their abilities directly to audiences and industry professionals.
He recalled that newcomers previously relied on auditions, meetings with directors and rehearsals to secure roles.
Platforms such as TikTok now offer alternative routes into the industry, although online popularity does not always reflect an actor’s ability to perform in scripted productions.
Saeed cited Hania Aamir as an example, recalling that he first noticed her through Dubsmash before casting her in a drama.
He also shared how he entered showbiz after working in a factory. Saeed said Nadeem Ahmad, whose factories he helped manage, encouraged him to attend an audition after enjoying a celebratory show he had organised.
Saeed said he attended the audition and subsequently secured a drama role.
Humayun Saeed reflects on lessons from The Crown
Discussing his experience on Netflix’s The Crown, in which he portrayed Dr Hasnat Khan, Saeed said the production taught him the importance of discipline, organisation and professionalism.
He described how schedules for transport, make-up, meals and reporting times were carefully managed, contrasting the arrangements with practices in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.
Saeed praised his co-star Elizabeth Debicki for her focus and adherence to the production schedule, saying actors needed to remain committed to their work to deliver effective performances.
He added that international productions communicated schedules clearly, while Pakistan’s entertainment industry still had room to improve its organisation.
‘I do not see myself as a star’
Despite his success as an actor and producer, Saeed said he did not consider himself a star and viewed acting as his profession.
“I do not see myself as a star. This is just my work. You are not a star for doing it,” he said, naming Fahad Mustafa and Fawad Khan as examples of stars.
Saeed also said he preferred to work in his own way, enjoyed producing projects and maintained a small social circle.
His recent projects include the 2025 romantic comedy Love Guru, directed by Nadeem Baig and co-starring Mahira Khan, and the television drama Main Manto Nahi Hoon, which also aired in 2025.
He has also been associated with the Jawani Phir Nahi Ani franchise, with Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 3 reportedly in development.