The year 2017 wasn’t really a good one for Bollywood. Even big budget films starring superstars were forgettable. But despite the disappointing year that it was, actress Huma Qureshi, did manage to grab attention with her two releases Jolly LLB 2 and Dobaara: See Your Evil. It’s a fact that Huma is one of those actresses who is very selective about the roles she does. “I don’t want to do 20,000 things a year, I’d rather do one or two films that make me happy and satisfy me creatively. I prefer it that way because ultimately this body of work is going to be there forever,”says the actress who will next be seen playing a lead role in Rajnikanth-starrer Kaala.
Despite the fact that Huma hasn’t worked in the Southern film industries, that she was chosen by director Pa Ranjith to play the role opposite Rajnikanth, is validation of the actress’ talent. “It’s too early to talk about Kaala. All I can say is it was wonderful to work with Rajini sir. It was on my bucket list and I was overjoyed when I got the call. It’s a creatively stimulating project,” she says. Not just now, ever since her debut in 2012 with the Gangs of Wasseypur films, Huma has worked with the most talented actors and directors. She was discovered by Anurag Kashyap and she has worked with the likes of Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Naseeruddin Shah and Adil Husain. “They get to work with me... The privilege and honour is theirs,” she says on a lighter note, adding, “I am just blessed, right from my first film, that I have been able to work with this mix of super-talented actors and directors. It’s scary at times but it’s also a great learning experience.” She is also quick to add that Anurag is her favourite director, not only because he gave her the first break but also because of his approach to filmmaking.
It is this honesty, that reflects in nearly all aspects in Huma’s life. Whether being associated with the Smile Foundation, an NGO that works for the education of poor children, for whom she walked the ramp at a fashion show recently at Phoenix Marketcity in Bengaluru, or being vocal on social media, Huma is always upfront. “I am muhphat (loud mouthed). Be it in person or on social media. Everybody has an equal voice in a democracy but you also have a choice. I choose not to stay quiet when I am bullied on social media. I think we should call them out, especially women should call out the bullies. You should not take any kind of abuse, whether online, on social media, at home or at the workplace,” she signs off.
ayeshatabassum@newindianexpress.com
@aishatax