Huma Qureshi Has Stepped Into The Space She's Always Dreamt Of!

In a male-dominated industry, Huma Qureshi is truly the hero of her script.

From her debut in Gangs of Wasseypur to Maharani and Delhi Crime 3 more recently, the actor has mastered the art of versatility, a trait that come most instinctively to her. "I’ve never wanted to be boxed!" claims the actor.

After an incredible 2025, she's set for new horizons next year, turning producer (with Bayaan and Baby Do Die Do) as well along with juggling multiple roles across genres. We caught up with the actor to chat about everything she's done and everything else on her agenda.

What drives you every morning? 

Gratitude. This has been one of the most creatively fulfilling years of my career — from festivals to franchises, from dramas to thrillers. I feel energised by the work I’m doing. I’ve worked hard to reach a point where I can shift between genres, platforms and audiences in a single year. That versatility keeps me hungry. Finally, I’ve stepped into the space I always dreamt of.

Huma Qureshi in a still from her production Bayaan

You mentioned Maharani has changed your life. Why?

Maharani gave me a character that demanded absolute honesty. Rani Bharti stripped away vanity, ego… everything. She reminds that storytelling can be political, emotional, raw and grounded all at the same time. The show didn’t just change how the audience saw me; it changed how I saw myself as an actor.

You've got an incredible responses for your part in Delhi Crime 3 as well.

The reactions have been intense. People came up to me saying, “You terrified me. I hated Badi Didi… and I loved her too.” That’s the best compliment — when the character consumes you completely. There was also response to the work that never made it to the final cut. I’ve spoken about how I took inspiration from Leonardo DiCaprio — he once spat on an actor during a scene because the emotion demanded that level of rawness. As Badi Didi, I had moments like that too. There were scenes where I kissed the girls or handled them roughly because that’s how she ‘prepared’ them for what was coming. It was disturbing, it was uncomfortable — but it was who she was. Badi Didi is the darkest space I’ve stepped into as an actor — the ‘best worst’ character I’ve played.

You have an affinity towards playing women of agency. Is it a conscious choice?

Yes — because I believe women don’t get enough screen space to be complex, contradictory, messy, powerful. When I find a character who stands in her truth, who drives the narrative instead of decorating it, I’m drawn to her. I want to be part of stories where women don’t apologise for their ambition, anger or desires.

Huma Qureshi in a still from her production Baby Do Die Do

What made you take the road less travelled?

The ‘safe’ road never excited me. I didn’t come here to follow a template; I came here to break some. Producing with my brother Saqib Saleem (Saleem Siblings Productions) was a natural step — we want to champion stories that might not get told otherwise. Being an outsider taught me that if you want something to exist, you must build it yourself.

This year you were also muse to fashion gurus. How would you sum up your sense of style?

I want to do it all. One day I’m Badi Didi terrorising the screen, the next I’m Rani Bharti covered in sindoor and mud, and then suddenly I’m doing a full-blown dance number. At the same time, I’m serving couture looks at TIFF and BIFF while my film travels the world. That duality is my style — raw, glam, gritty, polished, all at once. Why choose? I contain multitudes.

Huma Qureshi at the Toronto International Film Festival

What do you have to say to your detractors who once body-shamed you?

I’ve learned to disengage. If someone has nothing kind to say, silence is better. I focus on my work, health and joy. That’s louder than any comment anyone can make about my body.

What is sex-appeal according to you?

Sex-appeal is confidence — the way you carry yourself, the way you look someone in the eye, the way you walk into a room knowing who you are. Mine lies in that energy, that certainty. You can’t manufacture it.

Do men get intimidated by your no-nonsense attitude?

Sometimes… maybe. But that’s for them to process, not me. The right people don’t get intimidated — they align.

What would a power-woman like you look for in a man?

Kindness, intelligence, a generous heart — and someone secure enough to stand beside a woman who has ambition and drive.

Huma Qureshi at Milan Fashion Week

How has Huma the person changed?

I’ve toughened up — you have to. But in some ways, I’ve softened where it matters. I value authenticity more than hustle now.

What’s your survival kit?

Good people. Good scripts. A sense of humour. And the reminder that everything — good or bad — is temporary.