Humayun Saeed calls for Pakistan's own OTT platform to take dramas global

Speaking about the possibility of Pakistani dramas reaching. Netflix, Saeed said local productions had a distinct identity, particularly in their writing, dialogue delivery and use of Urdu. “Our dramas have a specific style.

The writing also has its own style. When we deliver our lines, there is a way of speaking because of the way our Urdu is delivered,” he said. Acknowledging that OTT productions often adopt a different, edgier approach, Saeed maintained that existing Pakistani dramas could still find an audience on international streaming platforms.

“If you are saying the dramas we have already made should go on Netflix, then yes. We do have our own style,” he said. Saeed suggested that political considerations might influence Netflix’s approach to Pakistan, although he admitted he was unsure when local productions might become available on the platform.

Rather than relying solely on international streaming services, the actor stressed the importance of establishing a local OTT platform where Pakistani filmmakers and actors could showcase their work. “Where there will be a platform, things will be made.

Pakistani OTT will be made and once people show their work, then there will be Netflix,” he said, pointing to India’s experience as an example. “Even in India, these OTT platforms came first,” he added.

Saeed also called on the government to give the entertainment industry greater attention and support. “I think the government should do something about it and give importance to it,” he said. Social media is opening doors for new talent.

Beyond streaming platforms, Saeed discussed how social media had changed the way aspiring actors entered the entertainment industry. He recalled a time when newcomers had to audition, meet directors, learn from experienced professionals and rehearse before securing roles.

Platforms such as Tik. Tok now allow people to showcase their skills directly, creating new opportunities while making it more difficult to distinguish acting ability from online popularity. Citing Hania Aamir as an example, Saeed recalled discovering the actor through Dubsmash before casting her in a drama.

“The thing is that even I saw Hania on Dubsmash and then we took her in a drama so there is potential,” he said. However, he cautioned that performing well in short social media videos did not necessarily translate into the ability to handle a scripted role.

An actor’s skills became clearer when they were given proper dialogue and scenes to perform, he suggested. Saeed also reflected on his own unconventional entry into showbiz, revealing that he had been working in a factory before an opportunity led him towards acting.

He said Nadeem Ahmad, whose factories he helped manage, had an interest in modelling and encouraged him to attend an audition after enjoying a celebratory show Saeed had organised. “One day, I held a celebratory show with performances and he really enjoyed it.

He used to be called for interviews and auditions and one day, he one,” Saeed recalled. “When I went, I got a drama,” he added. What.

The Crowntaught him about discipline. Saeed also spoke about his experience working on the Netflix series. The Crown, in which he portrayed Dr Hasnat Khan.

He said one of the most important lessons he took away from the international production was the value of discipline, organisation and professionalism. He described the production’s carefully planned arrangements, from transport and make-up timings to meals and call times, contrasting them with what he considered less structured practices in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

“I wanted to learn discipline,” he said, recalling how his co-star Elizabeth Debicki remained focused on her work and followed a strict schedule. “The actor, Elizabeth who was with me. She was so involved in her work.

When she had lunch at 1pm, she knew exactly when she had to be back. She also focused so much on her work so that that the scene could be what it was. Here, we just think about having fun while filming,” he said.

Saeed added that international productions communicated schedules clearly, ensuring cast members knew when to have breakfast and report to the set. “We here are not as organised as producers here, so it would take time for actors to be as well,” he confessed.

Does not consider himself a star. Despite his success as an actor and producer, he rejected the idea that his profession automatically made him a star. “I do not see myself as a star.

This is just my work. You are not a star for doing it. I think Fahad Mustafa and Fawad Khan must be stars,” he said.

Saeed added that he preferred to work in his own way, enjoyed producing projects and kept his social circle small. His latest released film is. Love Guru(2025), a romantic comedy directed by Nadeem Baig and co-starring Mahira Khan.

On television, he appeared in. Main Manto Nahi Hoonin 2025. He has also been associated with the.

Jawani Phir Nahi Anifranchise, with. Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 3reportedly in development.