Humayun Saeed On Taking Pakistani Stories Global
Pakistani dramas have built a loyal audience at home and among overseas viewers, but actor and producer Humayun Saeed believes the industry faces a challenge when it comes to creating content specifically suited to international streaming platforms.
In an interview with Ali Salman, Saeed explained that Pakistani television has its own storytelling traditions, shaped by Urdu dialogue, writing styles and familiar narrative structures. He believes these approaches do not always match the edgier formats often associated with OTT productions.
Rather than depending entirely on Netflix and other international services, Saeed has called for Pakistan to establish its own OTT platform. He believes a domestic service could give writers, actors and producers more opportunities to develop original projects and reach audiences beyond traditional television.
Pointing to India's experience, he argued that local streaming platforms helped create opportunities for original productions before global services expanded their presence in the market.
He also urged the government to give the entertainment sector greater attention and support.
Saeed's remarks raise a larger question about how Pakistani entertainment can evolve without losing its identity. The country already has established writers, actors and production houses, along with dramas that attract audiences internationally. The challenge is creating more varied content that can work across different formats and viewing habits.
His own experience on Netflix's The Crown, where he portrayed Dr Hasnat Khan, also shaped his views on professional discipline and production management. He highlighted the structured schedules and organised working practices he observed during the international production.
Pakistani dramas have built a loyal audience at home and among overseas viewers, but actor and producer Humayun Saeed believes the industry faces a challenge when it comes to creating content specifically suited to international streaming platforms.
Pakistani dramas have built a loyal audience at home and among overseas viewers, but actor and producer Humayun Saeed believes the industry faces a challenge when it comes to creating content specifically suited to international streaming platforms.
In an interview with Ali Salman, Saeed explained that Pakistani television has its own storytelling traditions, shaped by Urdu dialogue, writing styles and familiar narrative structures. He believes these approaches do not always match the edgier formats often associated with OTT productions.
Rather than depending entirely on Netflix and other international services, Saeed has called for Pakistan to establish its own OTT platform. He believes a domestic service could give writers, actors and producers more opportunities to develop original projects and reach audiences beyond traditional television.
Pointing to India's experience, he argued that local streaming platforms helped create opportunities for original productions before global services expanded their presence in the market.
He also urged the government to give the entertainment sector greater attention and support.
Saeed's remarks raise a larger question about how Pakistani entertainment can evolve without losing its identity. The country already has established writers, actors and production houses, along with dramas that attract audiences internationally. The challenge is creating more varied content that can work across different formats and viewing habits.
His own experience on Netflix's The Crown, where he portrayed Dr Hasnat Khan, also shaped his views on professional discipline and production management. He highlighted the structured schedules and organised working practices he observed during the international production.
