Debut and breakthrough

Saeed began his career as a television producer in the late 80s. His maiden production did not produce favorable results.^[11][13] After stepping into showbiz, Saeed's powerful presence caught the eye of directors and he was cast in the TV shows for acting roles. He made his acting debut in 1995 with Karoron Ka Aadmi produced by Nadeem Ali Khan,^[15] which was an action drama written by Zubair Abbasi and directed by his son Shamoon Abbasi,^[16] followed by Ye Jahaan, a musical that was telecast in 1996. 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.^[11]

Saeed continued doing TV productions alongside. He partnered with Sultana Siddiqui in the late 90s and then Abdullah Kadwani in 2000s for 7th Sky Entertainment. Later, he started his own production house along with "Shehzad Nasib" under the banner "Six Sigma Plus". Since then he has produced notable content for Pakistani television viewers.^[17][18]

Saeed's initial notable TV work as an actor includes Mehndi, Doraha, Kabhi Kabhi Pyar Mein, Kaafir, Uraan, Hum Se Juda Na Hona, Ladies Park and guest roles in Meri Zaat Zarra-e-Benishan and Daam. In 2005, Saeed starred in Hadiqa Kiani's award-winning music video called Iss Baar Milo, directed by Jami.^[19][20][21] Saeed has made appearances on reality shows like Living on the edge as a participant. He also judged a dancing reality show on ARY Digital in 2009. He has also worked in an Indian Bollywood movie Jashan in 2009 where he was given a negative role. In 2016, He gained recognition by playing Mohid in Dil Lagi among television audience. In 2020, he returned to television and played the role of Danish in drama serial Meray Paas Tum Ho, where he took all the credit for making it the best serial ever made in the history of Pakistan. The drama went so far in fame that India which is known for their movies also appreciated the performance and drama storyline. On social media Indian people reacted very positively and showed their love for Humayun openly, comparing him with their topline actor Shahrukh Khan.

In January, 2022, Saeed was cast as Dr. Hasnat Khan (known for his romantic involvement with Princess Diana), in the fifth season of The Crown.^[22]

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.^[23][24] 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 many movies since the resurgence of cinema in 2013. These include commercially successful films such as Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, Bin Roye,^[25] Jawani Phir Nahi Ani and Punjab Nahi Jaungi. His film Jawani Phir Nahi Ani holds the record of being the fourth highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time,^[26] while his another film Punjab Nahi Jaungi has been declared as the second highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time and the highest-grossing film of 2017 in Pakistani cinema.^[27] In 2018, he starred in film Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2. As of 2019, the film is the highest-grossing Pakistani film of all time. After its huge box office success, he announced three more films in an interview with Dawn Images, saying that third film in JPNA franchise is in plans to be out "in two years", while he added, "We're working on two other films, one's being written by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar and the other by Vasay Chaudhry."^[28] In 2022, he appeared in Nadeem Baig's London Nahi Jaunga.^[29]

Lux Style Awards

Other awards and honours

• Best Actor for musical telefilm "Zeher" by Yasir Akhtar^[49]
• Best Actor Award at Pakistan Achievement Awards^[50]
• Pride of Performance by President of Pakistan^[51][52]
• Recognition for contribution to Pakistani cinema^[53][54]