Talented Huma Qureshi takes on Bollywood

An unconventional actress, Huma Qureshi is one who challenges the role of women in Indian films. She is notably already known for playing strong and fierce female characters in the several films that she has starred in.

Young, curvy and fashionable, Huma made her debut in Bollywood with Gangs of Wasseypur in 2012. Coming from a filmy family, her brother Saqib Saleem is a popular actor and model. The younger out of the two, he has had more success in Bollywood with all three films of his being box office successes, including Mujse Fraaandship Karonge (2011).

Before Bollywood began calling, Huma started out in modelling, theatre and filming TV productions, alongside top celebrities. While filming a Samsung Mobile advert with Aamir Khan, director Anurag Kashup was impressed with her acting skills.

This led her to a promised role in Kashup’s upcoming film and the director cast her in his crime thriller Gangs of Wasseypur Part 1 and 2.

The critically acclaimed film focused around the politics and vengeance between three crime families. Huma played the supporting role of a character named Mohsina which led to many nominations, including a Best Actress for the IIFA Awards and Best Supporting Actress at the Filmfare Awards.

While she didn’t win, the nominations themselves have proven what a rising talent she is and certainly one to look out for. She did however win the Most Entertaining Actor Debut at the BIG Star Entertainment Awards.

Although her big break was in Gangs of Wasseypur, Huma had already signed up for many films prior. Her first appearance on the big screen actually was to be in Tamil gangster thriller Billa, where she was to act opposite the well renowned Tamil actor Ajith Kumar. But the film got delayed and she had to let it fall through due to other commitments.

Her films so far include: Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1 and 2, Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012), Ek Thi Daayan (2013), Shorts (2013), D-Day (2013) and Dedh Ishqiya (2014).

The actress has also caught the eye of Aditya Chopra and he has reportedly signed an impressive three films with the actress with Yash Raj Films. Speaking of the news, one source claimed: “YRF has an eye for talent. Aditya has seen a few of Huma’s films and is all praise for her.”

Her debut year of 2012 proved to a big one for Huma, and the beauty featured in FHM Magazine India. With FHM having a long standing tradition of featuring only the hottest ladies on their covers, no doubt Huma is one; she wore only a studded black jacket, leaving very little to the imagination.

She also modelled at Lakmé Fashion Week 2012. Many would say she is pretty but most agree that she doesn’t have the conventional look – conventional being size zero. That said, people still adore the fact that she has curves and represents real women, Huma herself says she has no issues with her weight or figure.

Huma has already worked with top actor Irrfan Khan on Indian crime thriller, D-Day. Irrfan who is one of the finest actors of Bollywood praised Huma on both her looks and acting: “Huma Qureshi is a very beautiful and talented actress. I would like to see her doing some commercial movies.”

In response to Irrfan’s praise Huma said: “People always tell me to do commercial cinema. The one which has all the ingredients like action, romance and comedy. Even I love rom-coms a lot. But if a big star life Irrfan Khan has said that I should do commercial cinema then I should definitely take it seriously. The roles I am doing right now are very challenging, that’s why I said yes to them. However now, my next film will be a typical commercial comedy movie.”

Huma admits that working with such leading actors like Irrfan, Madhuri Dixit and Naseeruddin Shah has given her a lot of confidence: “Honestly speaking, I have never felt insecure in Bollywood. I am not an insecure person. Rather, I feel inspired when I see good films and work. And it is rather encouraging to work with such people because you get to learn many things.”

Huma also adds that it is through sheer had work and determination that you can become a successful actor in Bollywood:

“Bollywood has always been open for newcomers. You are your own Godfather and mentor. You work harder and longer, only then you will achieve what you want. And I do not believe in the fact that the star kids have an easy life.”

“They work equally hard to strike the right chord with the audience. The only advantage for them is that they know everybody and they don’t have to spend time making contacts.”

Qureshi admits that she loves playing challenging roles, and is often heard praising Vidya Balan on challenging how women are shown in Indian films. And like Vidya, Huma is not afraid to get steamy in front of the camera.

In her psychological thriller, Ek Thi Daayan, Huma has passionate love scene with Emraan Hashmi. While usually it’s Emraan doing all the kissing, here Huma takes the lead. Similarly in Dedh Ishqiya, Huma is romantically paired with Arshad Warsi where they have a raw and passionate lovemaking scene.

With accolades all around for both her beauty and her talent, Huma Qureshi most certainly looks like a promising star for the future of Bollywood.