Himanshu Guru
Huma Qureshi is a versatile actor who has managed to bag a number of awards and nominations within a short span. She came to the limelight after ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ for which she was nominated for the Film Fare award. So far, she has acted in films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ – Part 1 and Part 2, ‘Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana’, ‘Ek Thi Daayan’, ‘Shorts’, ‘D-Day’, ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ and ‘Badlapur’. Her upcoming films are ‘X’ and Marathi film ‘Highway’. She got the debut actor-female of the year and the Television award for ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ and the Breakthrough Supporting Performance—Female Star Dust awards for ‘Dedh Ishqiya’. She was also nominated for the Film Fare and Stardust awards for some of her other films. The versatile actor who has performed diverse roles in films was recently in Bhubaneswar for a fashion show where Sunday POST had the opportunity to interview the lady in a glowing costume.
The bright and beautiful diva said about her past theatre experience that she acknowledged had given her enough resources to make her mark in Bollywood. “Theatre was very important for me as an actor. When you come from theatre you better as an actor, more feel comfortable in your role. Of course, it helps a lot. Before coming to films I was associated with the theatre group ‘Act One’ in Delhi and have acted in a good number of theatre productions successfully.”
“If you want to get yourself admitted to any of the acting schools the required educational qualification is graduation. Yet, it is not so for the music and the dance schools. For acting education is a must,” she said. Huma is a graduate with Honours from Jajati College under Delhi University. When asked whether her education in History helped her in acting, especially in the periodic films, her response was: “Not only History, Honours in any subject helps you in acting. Especially my knowledge of history gave me a better opportunity to go deep into the characters. And that is most essential to come up with a nice piece of acting. Not only in the periodic films but also in the otherwise mainstream ones.”
Huma has played diverse roles. When asked which role was the one she really enjoyed playing, she replied, “I don’t want to be confined to a particular pattern. As an actress my motto is to do justice to any type of character given to me. So I would like to experiment myself with different characters.”
Unlike in the past, these days actors are joining films after a degree in acting from an institution. But Huma is an exception. She said, “No. I have not been to either the National School of Drama or the FTII. I don’t have a degree in acting from any institution. But my experience in theatre is enough for me. Besides, I have walked in the ramp on a number of occasions and am related to the glamour world in several ways. I’m passionate about fashion. I have travelled to different cities for this and will continue doing so.”
Was she thrilled when she heard that she had been nominated for performance in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ she said, “I was extremely happy after hearing that my name there on the Film Fare list as the best supporting actress. Before that I never had walked in a red carpet. Moreover, as I hail from a middle class family I didn’t have any idea as to what to wear, what type of jewellery goes well with what kind of attire and other
related things. I was very excited, though.”
Would she accept the offer to do an Oriya Film? “Yes, definitely. I would love to work in Oriya films. Once I get a good script, good film and a good director I would definitely do,” the actor said adding there were quite a few directors in the Oriya film circuit.
Huma has acted in an experimental film ‘X’ to be directed by 11 directors. When asked what was special about the film she said, “I have a friend named Raja Sen who is one of the directors. He approached me for the film. He is actually a film critic. You can say he is a critic turned director. He intimated me that he wants me in the film. Keeping his request I picked up a 10 min scene and entered the venture. Besides, as Raja and I have a common interest for films, comic books, etc. I decided to go for it.”
Not only films Huma has also done a music video titled “Mitti Di Khushboo” opposite Ayushman Khurrana. When asked whether she wanted to do more music videos, her answer was in the affirmative. She said, “Yes, I am interested. I chose ‘Mitti Di Khushboo’ for its story. It is all about a love story in a small town. You can say it is a love story from Bhubaneswar. There though guys and girls love each other love is not very openly expressed. I mean there are a lot of family restrictions and conservatism, so although their love is pure they cannot open up. That concept I liked and so chose the project.”
In ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ Huma portrayed an unconventional character. Talking about the film she said, “For me it was a blast. It was a women-centric film and the male characters were ‘incidental’. The film talked about women empowerment. Importantly, the film featured a group of highly talented and diverse actors. So all of them came with their acting potential and the film was very good. For me, I really enjoyed working with actors like Madhuri mam (Madhuri Dixit), Arshad Warshi, Nasiruddin Shah and others.”
Talking about her engagement in Orissa Huma said, “I am really happy to be here in Bhubaneswar. I am looking forward to know about music, fashion and glamour of the city.”
When asked to share something for aspirants in the state who dream of making an impact in the glitzy world of Bollywood she said, “Don’t come yaar. Aap log sab karoge toh Hum Kya karenge.” Finally, her message for fans in Orissa was: “Be cool. I don’t know what to say. But you all are lovely people.”