Humayun Saeed on Filming Intimate Scene in The Crown

Pakistani superstar Humayun Saeed has finally opened up about one of the most talked-about moments of his international career — filming an intimate scene for Netflix’s The Crown. Known for his iconic roles in Pakistani dramas, Saeed took a massive leap into global recognition when he played Dr. Hasnat Khan, the British-Pakistani heart surgeon who famously shared a deep bond with Princess Diana.

In Season 5 of The Crown, Saeed made history as the first mainstream Pakistani actor to feature in the globally acclaimed British series. But behind the glamour of this milestone was a personal struggle many fans didn’t know about.

During a recent appearance, the Mere Paas Tum Ho actor shared how his journey with The Crown began during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I had a fever of 102 when I sent in my audition,” he recalled. “I had COVID at the time but still recorded the tape with the help of my director friend Nadir and sent it in. Twenty days later, I got the call.”

Once on set, Saeed was impressed by the team’s professionalism and dedication. “Even when I thought I was early, everyone was already there. It was a different level of commitment,” he said.

However, it was the intimate scene with actress Elizabeth Debicki, who played Princess Diana, that challenged Saeed on both cultural and emotional grounds. “I told them immediately that in our culture, even real-life husband and wife actors don’t do such scenes. We speak from a distance — it’s just how it is. This could be difficult for me,” he explained.

To his relief, the production team respected his concerns. “They all became worried after hearing me,” he shared. “Elizabeth Debicki was kind and supportive. She encouraged me and helped me feel at ease. The scene was only filmed when I felt completely comfortable.”

This marked the first time in Humayun Saeed’s career that he filmed such a scene; he expressed deep gratitude for how sensitively it was handled. “It wasn’t just about acting; it was about understanding where I come from. That meant a lot.”

Saeed’s portrayal of Dr. Hasnat Khan, often referred to as “Mr. Wonderful” by Princess Diana herself, added emotional depth to the season. Their relationship, though private, was well-documented and considered deeply meaningful in Diana’s life.

Read more: Humayun Saeed Addresses Career Criticism and Hate