HUMA HOPES BIG SCREENS WILL REVIVE SOON
Huma S Qureshi voices on the uncertainties around the industry and theatre
As the world reels under the Covid-19 crisis, Huma S Qureshi is counting on her work for some calmness.
The actor, however, admits that she isn’t chasing anything as such. “Right now, I’m not chasing anything. That’s the mistake that I was making before 2020. I was chasing an idea of something, but not anymore,” she continues, “Now, I’m just chilling. I’m doing work, which is making me happy, and just living my life.”
Utilising her social media reach to amplify people’s requests, seeking medical help to fight Covid-19, Qureshi says the pandemic has taught her that while running around and working, “you’re often unkind to yourself, and don’t take rest or take breaks, which you ideally should”.
The 34-year-old recalls the moment when she was called to shoot for her upcoming film amid the nationwide lockdown last year. “I feel very blessed to be part of Bell Bottom,” she exclaims.
“I was very thrilled and pleasantly surprised when the makers called and said they’ll be going and shooting outside India. Hats off to the whole team, who put this together. All of us went with a jazbaa... There were a lot of uncertainties like when the theatres will reopen, when we will get to shoot again and how,” she says, adding, “All of us — the actors and crew — went ahead with a feeling that we want to complete this film. It was the first film to be shot and completed in the pandemic.
It’s a great time for Indian talent [in the West]. I’m very happy and grateful . HUMA S QURESHI, Actor
I can’t wait for it to release soon and hopefully on the big screen.”
That said, there have been strong rumours about Bell Bottom ditching the theatrical route and opting for a directto-OTT release. The makers eventually squashed these rumours in a statement. And while chances are very bleak, Qureshi still hopes her film opens on the big screen.
Apart from exploring the big screen, Qureshi is also navigating the world of OTT. She is all set to make her Hollywood debut with Zack Snyder’s zombie thriller, Army of the Dead. With Indian talent getting more visibility in the West, an excited Qureshi is eager to start a new chapter of her career, but also hopes that the big screen experience will revive soon.
“It’s a great time for Indian talent [in the West]. It’s being appreciated across the board. I’m very happy and grateful to be part of the movement. It’s just a very exciting time,” says the actor, who recently revealed her look from the film on social media.