This story is from May 11, 2021

Huma Qureshi: In these times, we have to find a way to express our creativity

The actress talks about her journey in the industry and why she feels she hasn’t even scratched the surface as an actor
Huma Qureshi: In these times, we have to find a way to express our creativity
Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi is one year short of completing a decade in the industry. For someone, who came to Mumbai from Delhi to do just one film, that’s a rather long journey. After playing characters ranging from the spunky Mohsina Hamid in Gangs of Wasseypur to the fiercely loyal Muneera in Dedh Ishqiya, the actress is now exploring other avenues, which include the international film circuit, regional films as well as the digital medium.
In a chat with Bombay Times, Huma talks about her journey in the industry and why she feels she hasn’t even scratched the surface as an actor. Read on…
It will be 10 years to Gangs of Wasseypur next year, which marked your debut in Bollywood. How do you look back at your time in the industry?
The last 10 years in the film industry has been a great time for me. Coming from a non-film background, I think I have managed to do some work that I am proud of. I am glad that I have my own house, I pay my own bills, and have created my own identity in the industry. I look back at it in a very positive way. When I came to Mumbai, I wanted to do one film, so everything after that has been like a cherry on the cake.
You won appreciation for your first performance on the big screen, and since then, for many more. What has been your biggest challenge as an actor?
The challenge is that you have to prove yourself with every film that you do. You can’t afford to sit back on your laurels and be happy about it. I have always been someone who wanted to do things my way — even if it meant being unconventional or doing things that were out of the box. I would hate to be a part of similar kind of films. For me, the challenge has always been to find something good and fun to do, it’s something that has kept me excited about my job as an actor. I take my job very seriously; it has not come to me as a part of a legacy. I have earned whatever I have so far on my own, so, I do whatever I am doing because I love it, and I love acting. I am very blessed to have got the opportunity to work with some of the best directors, be a part of international projects and multiple mediums — films and OTT. 2020 has been a testimony to that. I managed to do a lot of work, which you will see coming out soon.

The pandemic has changed the way content is being consumed. Films in various languages are being viewed widely owing to the digital medium. What have your learnings been in this phase, given that you have also worked on the OTT platform?
For me, the philosophy has been that you should wake up and be excited about your job every day. More now than before, because the times that we live in are so uncertain that one has to think about finding a way to express your creativity. We all saw content from all over India and the world, and that’s really what has kept us busy. We all love to watch films in theatres, and I am no different. I want my films to release in theatres. OTT has a different kind of storytelling. That’s something which is very important as well. Some stories have to be seen on the big screen, and some have to be viewed on OTT platforms. The audience understands that difference, and that’s something even actors should be aware of.
Would you say that movies in general (be it in any language) have found a pan-India audience now?
I would say, not just last year, but from the time Baahubali released, there has been a growing trend of casting actors from various parts of the country and I think that’s really cool. I am very excited to work in films of different languages or work with actors from other parts of the country.
Interesting roles are being written for actresses today. Are you happy with the work that’s coming your way, and what’s the change you would like to see for women in the industry?
I think we just need more films with women in the lead… woh ho bhi raha hai. I feel extremely proud when I see either myself or my contemporaries being a part of films that are doing the numbers (box office) and that women-led stories are being made. It’s a great trend. Today, the audience has become accepting, and filmmakers are also ready to make such films. For me, I think there’s so much more to do. As an actor, I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface. I still have a long way to go.
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About the Author
Harshada Rege

Harshada Rege is a senior copy editor-cum-correspondent who covers television and the Bollywood beat. She also handles the Relationships page along with a colleague. Her hobbies include movies, web surfing, music and blogging.

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