When Pakistani actor Humayun Saeed was selected to portray the character of Dr. Hasnat Khan in the Netflix series, The Crown, the audience back at home felt proud, and the casting eventually pushed the actor into international stardom.
Saeed, who is one of the finest actors to grace Pakistani entertainment industry with many commercially and critically successful films and television series, had to undergo the audition process to make it to the “top five” and then “top two” among others auditioning from Pakistan and India. The Mere Paas Tum Ho actor finally made it through and essayed Dr. Hasnat Khan with remarkable acting prowess.
From the 5th installment of The Crown, where the London Nahi Jaunga star portrayed Khan opposite actress Elizabeth Debicki — who essayed the character of late Lady Diana — Saeed has fond memories of the entire process and making it to the final spot.
In a recent guest appearance on The Knock Knock Show hosted by Mohib Mirza, the Punjab Nahi Jaungi star revealed that he went through multiple auditions and competed against eight others actors.
“I got The Crown by luck. I gave auditions for the role because it is their formal procedure. They first extensively go through the work of an actor and then select them. Initially, I was a bit surprised to have landed the role of Dr. Hasnat as I was already watching The Crown and never in my wildest imaginations thought about starring in the show,” Saeed recalled.
“I was ecstatic to portray Dr. Hasnat but during the auditioning process, I was obviously nervous,” Saeed revealed.
“I was given two scenes for the auditioning process,” the actor added.
“My agent told me, ‘there are 8 actors from India and Pakistan so be prepared for the audition process’. First, I landed among the top five, then I made place into the top two picks. I also auditioned with Elizabeth Debicki,” Saeed added.
“I was pretty excited but they didn’t call so so I lost hope, and when I did, I got a call telling me that I have been finalized for the role of Dr. Hasnat, ” Saeed shared in excitement.
Dr. Hasnat Khan was a Pakistani heart surgeon who gained prominence for his skill and dedication in his field. He became romantically involved with Princess Diana in the mid-1990s after they met at the Royal Brompton Hospital, where he was working. Their relationship, characterized by its secrecy due to cultural and societal differences, lasted nearly two years.
Despite speculation about marriage, their romance ended in 1997, shortly before Princess Diana’s tragic death in a car accident. Dr. Hasnat Khan later maintained a low profile, continuing his career in medicine away from the public spotlight.
In the Netflix series The Crown, Dr. Hasnat Khan’s relationship with Princess Diana is depicted with a focus on the challenges and complexities they faced. The portrayal highlights the cultural differences between them, as well as the pressure from the royal family and the media.
Their romance is shown to be intense and genuine, but ultimately strained by the demands of Diana’s public life and the expectations placed upon her as a member of the royal family. Dr. Khan’s reluctance to be thrust into the spotlight and Diana’s desire for a normal, private life create tension in their relationship.
Despite their love for each other, they struggle to reconcile their different worlds, leading to their eventual breakup. The series captures the emotional turmoil and heartache experienced by both parties as they navigate the difficulties of their romance amidst the glare of public scrutiny.
