The day they stop buying my tickets is the day I will know that my time is over: Humayun Saeed

Actor candidly opened up in recent interview

Humayun Saeed recently made an appearance on Nida Yasir's Shan e Suhoor, where he offered candid reflections on his life, career, and the dynamics of stardom. The conversation touched upon topics ranging from handling criticism to maintaining dedication towards work, providing fans with valuable insights into the actor's journey.

When asked about criticism regarding his age and continued prominence in lead roles, Saeed displayed a nonchalant attitude, claiming that he remains unfazed by such remarks. In a bold assertion, he remarked that those who criticise him are at a lower level and that he gauges his success by the audience's continued support and ticket sales. 

"In Pakistan, insecurities are more," he began. "Our mindset has changed. Everyone has an issue with all successful people. Secondly, all controversies arise from people who are lower than you. If they're above you, do they say such things? Someone who is more successful will not criticise you. It will come from someone who is below you. If you don't receive such criticism, understand that there is a problem with you. You're not working well."

When asked by Nida if he feels hurt by the criticism, he said, "They will say it, why not?" He added, "They must think, 'When will he quit? He keeps appearing as a hero.' What difference does it make? Let them talk." In a confident assertion, he furthered, "The day they stop buying my tickets is the day I will know that my time is over or I am not doing the right kind of work. They may talk, but they're the ones who come to watch my films the most after spending their money. There could be 100 comments out of which two say why is he coming as a hero, but they will keep talking forever. They've been saying this since my first film and they'll say it till the next ten films." This unfiltered response underscored Saeed's pragmatic approach towards his career and his reliance on tangible measures of success.

Additionally, in a reality check aimed at those with seemingly staggering social media followings, Saeed highlighted the distinction between online popularity and real-world success. He pointed out the discrepancy between individuals boasting millions of Instagram followers and their films' lacklustre performance at the box office. Saeed emphasised the importance of genuine fan engagement and real-world support, challenging the notion of online metrics as a true measure of stardom.

"People have 10 million followers but when their films release, one lac people also don't show up. Why?" questioned Saeed. He continued, "Either those followers are fake - I'm not talking about bought followers - or they're not those kinds of fans. Social media fans and genuine fans - those who spend money and like you - they're different. They're the real fans. They don't message you online. They buy a ticket and go to the cinema."

Addressing questions about his unwavering dedication to his craft, Saeed offered a glimpse into his early life and the hardships that shaped his work ethic. Revealing his early employment at a company and his experience tutoring children, Saeed shared personal anecdotes, including the life-altering impact of his brother's paralysis. "My family needed me. My younger brother fell and got paralysed... I needed to work more. I had a job, I taught tuitions separately as well," he shared. The honest revelation shed light on the actor's resilience and sense of responsibility, instilled from a young age due to familial obligations. 

Saeed's humility and grounded demeanour throughout the interview left a lasting impression on viewers, challenging stereotypes associated with celebrity status. Despite his immense success, Saeed remains rooted in his upbringing and experiences, a quality that resonates with fans and admirers alike.

As the superstar continues to grace screens with his performances, his insights serve as a reminder of the multifaceted journey of stardom and the values that underpin enduring success in the entertainment industry. His appearance in the interview provided a rare glimpse into the man behind the iconic roles, showcasing a blend of resilience, humility, and unwavering dedication to his craft.