Tell us about your foray into the field of acting. How did it all begin for you? I used to work in a knitwear garment factory as general manager in Karachi. My friends used to visit me often there. One of them was dramatist Imtiaz Taj who suggested I join the drama industry. I was not serious about joining the industry then but since he pushed me a lot so I decided to audition for a private production drama serial. It was end of 1995. I passed the audition and they gave me the main lead role. Unfortunately, I couldn’t perform well on the first day of shoot and ultimately, they decided to give me the second lead’s role instead. The following year, I made a play myself which didn’t turn out to be that successful. However, that same director approached me, this time to cast me in a PTV drama serial. It was titled ‘Yeh Jahaan’. The response was good and people really liked it. After the drama serial’s success, I got an offer to star in a Lifebuoy Plus advertisement. Initially, my family wasn’t that supportive of me being a part of the show business industry. I decided if I wasn’t getting good money I will not pursue my career in showbiz. So I started demanding more and luckily for me, I started getting more good work in the amount I was asking for. It was after a Mehreen Jabbar drama serial, that I began getting more success and recognition. You are not just a very talented actor but a successful producer as well. How challenging is that, wearing two hats at the same time? Which is more fulfilling? Both acting and production give you a different kind of kick. I act less now and focus more on producing. Two do both side by side can be difficult. I had started acting for money and fame. My passion lied in acting but it was production that gave me confidence. When you create something of your own self, it gives you a different kind of a high. You are the co-founder of 6 Sigma Entertainment Plus? How did the name come about and what are you currently working on? Shahzad Nawaz, the co-founder of 6-Sigma Entertainment Plus coined its name. Initially, it was 7 Sky for which he also gave the name for. Six-Sigma Entertainment Plus is actually 99.9% Perfect. Currently, I am producing a drama serial under 6 Sigma Entertainment Plus and alongside I’m working on two films as well. One of them is by Khalilur Rahman Qamar and the other is by Wasay Chaudhry. ‘My flaws motivate me to excel no matter what. I love to eat and when I realise I’m putting on weight, that motivates me to groom myself more’ You have appeared in a dozen drama serials and films? Which has been your most challenging character so far? Playing the character of Fawad Khagga in ‘Punjab Nhi Jaungi’ has been the most challenging character so far. You have earned numerous accolades for your work, including the prestigious Lux Style Award and ARY Film Award? What according to you has been your biggest achievement so far? At the time when Pakistan films weren’t doing that well, I ventured into cinema to revive it. Even if my contributions amount to 20 or 30 percent, I still take pride in that and this has to be my biggest achievement so far. You have a humongous fan following in not just Pakistan but overseas as well. What motivates you to excel no matter what? My flaws motivate me to excel no matter what. I love to eat and when I realise I’m putting on weight that motivates me to groom myself more. If I see a performance of mine and realise I’m not doing well, that would motivate me to perform better in future. You are ranked amongst one of the highest paid actors in the country. Are you affiliated with any charity work? What social cause do you feel the most passionate about? I am very low profile when it comes to giving donations. I have done so for the Shahid Afridi Foundation and also for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre. I feel very strongly about people with disabilities and paralysed persons and I hope to do something for them in future. What is your vision for Pakistan and what does it mean to be Pakistani for you? Whenever I’m travelling abroad, I wear my identity on my sleeve and feel proud to share with others the fact that I’m from Pakistan. I hope we live to see a day where education and hospitals are free for everyone. We at Daily Times consider you one of our national heroes. Who are some of yours? Wasim Akram, Imran Khan, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Sattar Edhi and all those businessmen who are contributing to Pakistan are my heroes. Achievements MULTI-TALENTED STAR Humayun Saeed is not just a recognised actor but is also an award-winning producer, having produced many drama serial and films under his 6-Sigma Entertainment Plus production house. Whatever he is a part of, turns to gold. RULING OUR SCREENS Some of Humayun Saeed’ most noteworthy performances have been in “Yeh Jahaan”, ‘Ab Tum Ja Sakte Ho’, ‘Mehndi’, ‘Douraha’, ‘Kabhi Kabhi Pyar May’, ‘Kafir’, ‘Uraan’, ‘Ladies Park’, ‘Dillagi’, ‘Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan’, ‘Daam’, ‘Inteha’, ‘Main Hu Shahid Afridi’, ‘Bin Roye’, ‘Jawani Phir Nhi Ani’ and ‘Punjab Nhi Jaungi’. Almost all of his films have been commercially successful. His film ‘Jawani Phir Nhi Ani’ holds the record of the second-highest grossing film of all time at Pakistani box office. ‘Punjab Nhi Jaungi’ has been declared the highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time and the highest-grossing film of 2017 in Pakistani cinemas. A STRONG HUMANITARIAN Apart from leading a production house, Saeed is really active when it comes to giving back to the country. He keeps a very low profile when it comes to giving donations. He contributes to the Shahid Afridi Foundation and also for Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre. He feels very strongly about people with disabilities and paralysed persons and hopes to do something for them in future. RECOGNITION AT HOME & ABROAD Saeed is one of the most decorated Pakistani actors. He has received numerous award nominations and honours including a minimum of five Lux Style Awards. He received the Special Recognition Award at the Pakistan Achievement Awards 2015 in UK and Europe and at the 4th Hum Awards in 2016 for his invaluable contribution towards revival of Pakistani cinema. His film ‘Jawani Phir Nahi Ani’ swept the ARY Film Awards ceremony with a total of 17 awards, also earning him the award for the Best Male Actor in a Leading Role. He is also the proud recipient of Best Actor award for musical telefilm “Zeher”. Published in Daily Times, August 29th 2018.