We talk to Huma Qureshi, who has made a career out of strong female acting roles
Indian actress Qureshi plays a Muslim girl in English film Viceroy’s House
Huma Qureshi made her Bollywood debut as Mohsina Hamid, a gangster’s wife, in Gangs of Wasseypur five years ago.
One line in that film spoken by the Indian actress — featured guest at this year’s Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival — still resonates all these years later: Permission lena chahiye na (you need permission before touching me).
In 2014, Qureshi appeared on the cover of a women’s magazine, addressing body image and her beautiful curves in these times of size-zero stereotypes.
This year, she crossed borders for an English film by Gurinder Chadha, Viceroy’s House (released under the title Partition: 1947 in India), playing a Muslim girl in love with a Hindu boy during the India-Pakistan partition.
Postmedia News spoke to Qureshi about acting, and being a strong Indian woman.
Q Tell me about your journey to Bollywood.
A I started with theatre in Delhi, as acting has always been a passion. I came to Mumbai and started my journey with a few commercials and that’s when I bagged my very first film, Gangs of Wasseypur. Ever since, there’s been no looking back.
How difficult was it to create a space for yourself in the Indian film industry?
Acting for theatre is very different from acting for films. After my debut as Mohsina, a gangster’s wife, in Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur, I received so much love and appreciation from viewers and critics. I didn’t have to struggle to make space for myself. I was warmly welcomed into the industry.
How has your journey been so far?
Splendid. I never thought of a career as an actress in Mumbai. My work has been my education. My journey has been surreal so far.
Which has been your favourite film you’ve acted in? Why?
It has to be my debut. It introduced me to a beautiful world of dreams. I have very fond memories of my advent in Bollywood.
You’ve done a number of unconventional films. What drives your film choices?
It is a wonderful time for women in the entertainment industry. The world is finally seeing us in a different light. We are not camera candies anymore. Our roles have substance and they involve physical training, workshops, research and mental preparation. I’m unapologetic about the choices I’ve made. I want to be abreast of the change cinema is undergoing.
How did you get the role for Viceroy’s House?
The casting director called me and told me that the film was being made. I recorded an audition tape and sent it to Gurinder, who loved it, I’m sure . ... I’m so glad this is my first English language film because it talks about something so relevant — the partition. Today, in a world that is increasingly divided by hate politics, the film talks about love and humanity, and that’s such a beautiful message to have.
What was it like to work with Gillian Anderson and Hugh Bonneville?
Both are amazing stars. I’m a huge fan of X-Files and massive fan of Downton Abbey. Of course Manish Dayal, I loved his work in The Hundred Foot Journey. He’s been lovely to work with. They all were amazing. Michael Gambon, Om Puri — it’s been a wonderful set of actors.
What’s your strongest memory while shooting the film?
To work with Om Puri; (he is) such a wonderful human being and a fantastic actor. So the best things that I have in the film are with him and I’m just honoured and privileged that I had the experience of knowing him and working with him. When I went to see the film, I guess I had tears in my eyes. I used to call him abba, which means father, in the film and I used to call him abba off screen as well. His passing away (in January 2017) has impacted all of us.
Any plans for Hollywood?
I’ve always maintained that I want to be part of good cinema and, honestly, geographical boundaries don’t matter to me.
You’ve completed five years in the industry. Where do you see yourself in the next five?
So much has changed over the five years. There’s no time to hit pause and take note of it. I’m enjoying the variety (of work) I get offered, working around the clock, travelling and meeting people who have an unparalleled passion for films.
Have you visited Vancouver before?
This will be my first visit. I’m very excited. I’m told it’s an amazing city so I will find a way to experience the culture, the people, the food, everything. (This interview has been edited and condensed)