Early Life: Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi was born on July 28, 1986, in New Delhi, India, into a Muslim family with roots in Uttar Pradesh. She is the daughter of a restaurant owner, and her family has a background in the business world. Huma was raised alongside her two brothers, one of whom is the actor Saqib Saleem. Huma was always interested in the arts and had a keen passion for acting from a young age. She studied at the Gargi College in Delhi University, where she pursued a degree in History. Despite her academic background, Huma was drawn to theater and performing arts, and she started her career as a model before transitioning into acting.
Huma’s love for performing led her to the National Capital Region, where she began honing her skills in the field of acting. She worked in theater and also trained in various aspects of performing arts before making her way into the film industry. Her journey from theater to the film industry was not immediate, but she was determined to carve out a place for herself in Bollywood.
Career Beginnings (2012–2015)
Huma Qureshi’s debut in Bollywood came in 2012 with the critically acclaimed film Gangs of Wasseypur, directed by Anurag Kashyap. The film was a gritty, multi-layered saga about crime, revenge, and power, and it received both commercial and critical success. Huma played the role of a strong, fiery woman named Mohsina, a character that garnered attention for her complexity and depth. The film was a turning point in Huma’s career, and it helped establish her as a promising new talent in the Indian film industry.
Following the success of Gangs of Wasseypur, Huma appeared in Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana (2012), which was a quirky comedy about a family’s secrets. Although the film didn’t fare well commercially, Huma’s performance as the supporting character, Harman, was well received. She continued to diversify her roles with films like Ek Thi Daayan (2013), a horror-thriller in which she starred opposite Emraan Hashmi.
In 2014, Huma received praise for her performance in Dedh Ishqiya, a sequel to the successful Ishqiya (2010), where she portrayed a strong-willed, complex character. The film was a box-office hit, and Huma’s performance was widely appreciated for its depth and the nuances she brought to her character. Her portrayal in Dedh Ishqiya was considered one of the best of her early career.
Rise to Fame (2015–2020)
Huma Qureshi’s career trajectory took a sharp upward turn as she began to take on more mainstream roles. In 2015, she starred in Badlapur, a film directed by Sriram Raghavan that featured a stellar ensemble cast led by Varun Dhawan. Though Huma’s role was small in comparison to other lead actors, her character added an emotional layer to the film, showcasing her ability to shine even in supporting roles.
Her role in Calcutta Kiss (2015) as a woman caught in a passionate yet tragic romance further helped establish her as a talented actress capable of handling a variety of genres. Huma also starred in Jolly LLB 2 (2017), where she appeared alongside Akshay Kumar and Annu Kapoor. Her portrayal as a smart and capable lawyer brought a refreshing energy to the film, and it was another example of her versatility as an actress.
Throughout the late 2010s, Huma expanded her range of roles, taking on both commercial films and more serious, nuanced parts. In 2018, she starred in Dobaara: See Your Evil, a supernatural horror film that showcased her ability to handle darker, more intense material. She also played a pivotal role in the 2019 film Leila, a Netflix original series that was set in a dystopian future. The series was critically acclaimed for its thought-provoking storyline, and Huma’s performance was praised for its depth and strength.
Film Roles and Television Appearances
Huma’s career flourished as she continued to experiment with different types of roles in both mainstream and independent films. In 2019, she starred in Kaala, a Tamil film in which she played the love interest of Rajinikanth’s character. Her performance in the film was well received by both the audience and critics, marking a significant point in her career as she ventured into regional cinema.
Alongside her success in films, Huma also made occasional appearances on television. In 2016, she made her debut on the small screen as a guest judge on India’s Best Dramebaaz and appeared on other reality shows and talk shows. Huma also participated in fashion events and has been a strong advocate for body positivity and self-love.
Personal Life: Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi is known for her down-to-earth personality, her advocacy for mental health, and her commitment to social causes. She has been open about her struggles with weight and body image and has become an inspiration for many for embracing her body and being confident in her own skin. Huma often uses her platform to speak about issues such as gender equality and body-shaming, and she encourages others to be comfortable with their natural selves.
Huma has been relatively private about her romantic life, though she has spoken in interviews about her desire to settle down at the right time. She has been linked to a few actors in the industry, but nothing has been confirmed publicly. She is also known to have a close-knit group of friends, many of whom are from the film industry, and she maintains a good relationship with her family, particularly with her brother Saqib Saleem, who is also an actor in Bollywood.
Awards and Recognition: Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi’s talent has been widely recognized by both critics and the audience. In 2013, she was awarded the Best Debut Actress award by various film bodies for her breakout performance in Gangs of Wasseypur. She has also been nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Filmfare and Screen Awards, for her performances in both commercial and critically acclaimed films.
Apart from acting, Huma has gained recognition for her fashion sense, often being listed among the most stylish actresses in Bollywood. Her confidence and choice of bold roles have made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Legacy and Impact: Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi’s journey from theater to mainstream Bollywood actress has been inspiring. She has built a career based on versatility, talent, and a willingness to explore challenging roles in both commercial and independent cinema. Huma has earned a reputation for choosing roles that allow her to showcase her acting skills rather than focusing solely on the glamor associated with Bollywood. Through her performances, she has proven that a woman can be both strong and vulnerable on screen, and she continues to break barriers with her unconventional choices.
Her success in both Hindi and regional cinema is a testament to her acting prowess and willingness to take risks. Huma’s advocacy for mental health, self-love, and body positivity further solidifies her status as a role model for young women everywhere.
Quick Profile: Huma Qureshi
Full Name: Huma Saleem Qureshi
Age: 37 Years (as of 2023)
Date of Birth: 28 July 1986
Birthplace: New Delhi
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Hometown: New Delhi
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Islam
Physical Stats: Huma Qureshi
- Height: 5′ 4¾” (165 cm)
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
Family:
- Father: Saleem Qureshi (Restaurateur)
- Mother: Ameena Qureshi
- Siblings:
- Brothers: Naeem Qureshi, Haseen Qureshi (both businessmen), Saqib Saleem (Actor)
Education:
- College: Gargi College, New Delhi
- Qualification: Graduation in History Honours
Career Debut:
- TV: Upanishad Ganga (2012)
- Hindi Film: Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1 (2012)
- Malayalam Film: White (2016)
- Hollywood Film: Viceroy’s House (2017)
- Tamil Film: Kaala (2018)
- Web Series: Leila (2019)
Personal Life:
- Marital Status: Unmarried
- Boyfriends (Rumored): Manoj Tanwar, Ibrahim Ansari, Arjan Bajwa, Shahid Kapoor, Anurag Kashyap, Sohail Khan, Abhishek Chaubey, Mudassar Aziz (Current)
Hobbies:
- Playing Basketball, Reading Autobiographies, Travelling
Favorite Things:
- Foods: Shaami Kebabs, Biryani, Sushi, Galauti, Malai Tikkas
- Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan
- Films: Kaagaz Ke Phool, Om Shanti Om, Titanic, Blue Valentine
- Perfume: Daisy by Marc Jacobs
Car Collection:
- Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV
- Land Rover
Controversies:
- Alleged involvement in Anurag Kashyap’s marriage issues with Kalki Koechlin (2014)
- Rumored relationship with Sohail Khan, reportedly creating family tensions (2016)
Lesser Known Facts About Huma Qureshi
- Alcohol: Huma Qureshi drinks alcohol.
- Family Business: Her father, Saleem Qureshi, owns the restaurant chain Saleem’s in Delhi.
- Early Personality: She describes herself as a book-loving “geek” in school and college. She often wore her dad’s shirts. Huma became fashionable only after starting her acting career.
- Theatre Beginnings: Huma joined the theatre group Act 1 in college. Her mentor, N.K. Sharma, became her “lucky mascot.” She consults him before accepting any film roles.
- Family Support: Initially, her parents didn’t support her acting career. They suggested she pursue an MBA. However, her father supported her after she shared her dreams. He accompanied her to Mumbai for a year.
- Struggle in Mumbai: Huma moved to Mumbai in 2008. She lived in a shared room with four other girls. She traveled by rickshaw and often walked to save money. She gave herself one year to achieve success.
Career Breakthrough:
- Career Breakthrough: Huma’s career breakthrough came after signing a contract with Hindustan Unilever. She appeared in an ad with Aamir Khan. Anurag Kashyap directed it. He later cast her in Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1.
- Filmography: She was originally cast in the Tamil film Billa II in 2012. The film was delayed. Huma starred in films like Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2, Ek Thi Daayan, D-Day, and Jolly LLB 2.
- Body Positivity Campaign: In 2014, she did a photoshoot for the Be Unstoppable campaign. The campaign fights against body shaming.
- Music Videos and TV: Huma appeared in music videos like Mitti Di Khusboo (2014) and Tumhe Dillagi (2016). She appeared on shows like Comedy Nights with Kapil and The Kapil Sharma Show. She judged India’s Best Dramebaaz in 2018.
Cannes Appearance:
- Cannes Appearance: Huma walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018 and 2019.
- Hollywood Project: In 2020, she starred in the Netflix series Army of the Dead.
- Fashion & Magazine Covers: She frequently walks the ramp and graces fashion magazine covers.
- Nickname: Ayushmann Khurrana affectionately calls her “Chumma Qureshi.”
- Friendships: She is close to choreographer Farah Khan.
- Unique Restaurant Dish: A restaurant in Varanasi named a dish after her. Vatika created a custom dish she ordered, which became popular. The restaurant owner added it to the menu as the “Huma Qureshi.”
- Name Change Suggestion: A filmmaker once suggested she change her name. He thought it resembled a Pakistani actress.
- Debut Novel: Huma released her debut novel in December 2023. The novel is called Zeba: An Accidental Superhero. It’s a fictional tale of a kingdom, an evil king, and the superhero Zeba.
