While praising Humayun Saeed’s hard work and his journey to stardom, veteran actor Shabbir Jan stopped short of labelling him a ‘great’.
Speaking during a TV programme, Shabbir Jan acknowledged Humayun Saeed’s dedication and resilience in the industry, arguing that the actor still has not reached legendary status.
“Humayun Saeed is a very hardworking man. I have seen him grow into stardom,” he said.
“Humayun is good, but not great,” he remarked, adding that Saeed has yet to match the standard set by legendary performers from earlier decades.
The senior actor went on to critique the present state of the Pakistani entertainment industry, lamenting what he perceives as a shift away from acting talent toward superficial appearances.
“There are not many actors left. We only have models now,” he added. According to him, today’s leading names are often more concerned about their looks than the characters they portray.
“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.