It’s Huma Qureshi’s birthday, and while she may be keeping it lowkey with close friends and family, her words are anything but quiet. The actor—who made her mark back in 2012 with Gangs of Wasseypur—is speaking loud and clear about what it means to own your choices in an industry still weighed down by outdated ideas about women in cinema.
She’s never been one to play by the book, and at 39, Huma stands tall as proof that doing things your way doesn’t come at a cost—despite what the industry might whisper behind closed doors.
Challenging the “Limited Roles for Women” Myth
Let’s get one thing straight—Huma isn’t buying into the tired narrative that female actors have fewer options.
“I feel it’s a narrative sold to young women,” she says. “Like the country only wants to see a particular kind of girl. That’s not true. If the film is good, it works—whether it’s a macho action flick or a female-led drama.”
And she’s not wrong. From Maharani to Tarla and Badlapur, Huma has navigated a range of characters that aren’t just bold—they’re also grounded, real, and reflective of the world outside the silver screen.
Being Picky Hasn’t Slowed Her Down
“I’ve been constantly busy,” Huma admits. And it’s true—you’ll rarely find her missing from conversation when it comes to powerful performances.
Choosing substance over stereotypes hasn’t stalled her momentum one bit. In fact, it’s only added fuel to her journey. While others chase formulas, Huma breaks them.
“Formulas don’t work. That’s why many films don’t work. But something fresh, authentic—that always connects with people.”
She’s not here to play it safe. She’s here to shake things up. And the audience? They’re more than ready.
Balancing Quirk with Classic
Though Huma is drawn to layered, meaningful characters, that doesn’t mean she’s abandoning Bollywood’s glam side.
“There are films coming up where I’m doing the full song-and-dance routine. I love playing the quintessential heroine too. And then there are films that revolve entirely around me—I’m number one on the call sheet.”
And that, right there, is the balance every actor hopes to strike: mass appeal without losing identity. Huma’s found her sweet spot.
Eyes on the Global Stage
The next big thing for Huma? Her film Bayan—set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. It’s another testament to her reach and relevance, and how her choices continue to elevate both her career and the kinds of stories being told.
As Indian cinema continues to evolve, Huma Qureshi remains at the forefront—not because she fits into some fixed idea of what an actress should be, but because she refuses to.
On her birthday, she’s not just celebrating another year around the sun. She’s celebrating a journey that’s been fearless, uncompromised, and entirely her own.
