While appreciating Humayun Saeed’s journey and relentless hard work, veteran actor Shabbir Jan refrained from calling him a ‘legend’. In a recent TV appearance, Shabbir Jan acknowledged Saeed’s dedication and steady rise to fame but stressed that he has yet to reach the stature of the greats from earlier eras.
“Humayun Saeed is indeed a very hardworking man. I have witnessed his struggle and rise to stardom,” he said.
“But he is good, not exceptional,” Jan remarked, noting that Saeed still falls short of the benchmarks set by legendary actors of the past.
The seasoned actor also expressed concern over the current state of Pakistan’s entertainment industry, claiming that the focus has shifted from acting ability to physical appearance.
“There are hardly any true actors left; most are just models now,” he said, criticizing the industry’s growing emphasis on style over substance.
“The stars are obsessed with their on-screen looks rather than the character they are going to play,” he added.
Humayun Saeed is regarded as one of the most bankable and influential stars.
His career is decorated with multiple blockbuster films, including Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, Punjab Nahi Jaungi, and London Nahi Jaunga.
On television, he cemented his popularity with the mega-hit drama Mere Paas Tum Ho, which became a cultural phenomenon across the country.
Saeed has also made his mark as a producer, playing a key role in reviving Pakistani cinema over the last decade.
However, critics argue that his focus has often leaned more toward maintaining stardom than pushing creative boundaries.
This critique has followed Saeed throughout his career, as many believe his projects prioritize commercial success over artistic experimentation.
Shabir Jan himself is no stranger to artistic excellence. A seasoned actor who began his career in the 1980s, he has become synonymous with powerful, emotional, and authoritative roles.
His memorable performances in dramas such as Zindagi Dhoop Tum Ghana Saya, Yeh Zindagi Hai, Khuda Aur Mohabbat, and Bandish have earned him wide acclaim.
Over the years, he has also received multiple awards, including PTV’s Best Actor honors, cementing his reputation as one of the stalwarts of Pakistani television.
