Humayun Saeed may be timeless, but is his casting?

Atiqa Odho on Saeed's romance with Yumna Zaidi in 'Gentleman'

Veteran Pakistani actor Atiqa Odho has stirred the pot in the entertainment industry with her recent remarks on the persistent casting of Humayun Saeed alongside significantly younger actors. Appearing as a guest on the chat show Kya Drama Hai, Atiqa voiced her concerns about the noticeable age gap between Saeed and his co-stars, particularly highlighting the casting of Saeed opposite Yumna Zaidi in the drama series Gentleman.

The discussion around Saeed's age and his role in the industry has been a hot topic for some time. On the show, Atiqa, who co-hosts, questioned the decision to cast Saeed, a seasoned actor, as the hero opposite Zaidi, who is nearly half his age. Reflecting on their past collaborations, Atiqa pointed out that while Humayun has managed to maintain his charisma and appearance, the age difference still presents a peculiar dynamic.

Atiqa reminisced about their past projects together, noting, "What must be Humayun's age? Yumna is half his age. Marina Khan has directed me and Humayun together as a hero and heroine. Although, to his credit, he can still pull off (playing the hero). He's handsome and has maintained himself. But it is a bit strange dynamic owing to his age. I say this very often but people accept so it's okay."

Her candid comments underscore a broader debate within the Pakistani entertainment industry about age-appropriate casting and the evolving dynamics of onscreen romances. As discussions continue, Atiqa's perspective adds a new layer to the conversation about representation and age in the industry.

However, the star of this old debate remains unbothered and deliberately so. In conversation with host Nida Yasir in March, Saeed touched upon topics ranging from handling criticism to maintaining dedication towards work, providing fans with valuable insights into his 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."

Just recently, Saeed became the subject of veteran actor Firdous Jamal's scathing assessment. In an interview on Daisbook where he famously reiterated that actor Mahira Khan's looks were unremarkable, Jamal opined that The Crown star may as well be a Z-lister.

"Humayun Saeed?" questioned Jamal in mock puzzlement. "Is he (Marlon) Brando? Who even is he? He has cashed in on the opportunities he has been given and doesn't let anyone else have a chance!"

Saeed, it turns out, has opted for the moral high ground in response, and has nothing to say on the subject. Or to put it another way, he has nothing to say that fellow actor Yasir Hussain hasn't already said. Taking a leaf out of Yasir's book - or rather, a screenshot of Yasir's IG Story, Saeed took to his own IG Stories to repost what Yasir had already written.

"I love Humayun Saeed and he's the biggest star of Pakistan," penned the Lahore Se Aagay actor. Composing the remainder of his message in Urdu, Yasir continued, "But in my eyes, Firdous Jamal is also a respectable artist."