What is the one thing that the world doesn't know about Huma Qureshi the actor, and Huma Qureshi, the person?
As a person, I'm quite goofy, crazy and have a really mad sense of humour. But I also get goosebumps and butterflies in my stomach before starting any new project; especially when I walk onto a new film set for the first time. It's almost like I'm doing my first ever project all over again.
In Bollywood & Hollywood, who is the one actor from the yesteryear and one from the current era that you idolise and why?
A Hollywood actor whom I idealise is Viola Davis because of the phenomenal roles she has taken on and even the way she conducts herself in real life.
When it comes to Bollywood I have always been a huge fan of Meena Kumari Ji. She has led such an interesting life which makes me curious to know more about her. The legacy she has left behind with tremendous work will be enjoyed over generations. I still enjoy watching her films.
What was the one project that you believe kicked off your career?
I don't think there is any ONE project, but the idea that kicked off my career was the decision to move from Delhi to Bombay. I think that was a big change for me. For the longest time, I was scared of the idea and I was resisting it. But moving to Bombay changed my career, changed my life, and it changed everything.
What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role? Name a favourite character you played that is close to your heart.
The most important thing I do is to read the script and that itself answers a lot of questions for me. And for me, it's very important to get along with the writers and directors to ensure we all understand the character and approach the role in the same way.
All my roles have been really special and I can't pick one favourite. But one role that makes me proud because of the positive response and praise it received was my role of Rani Bharti in Maharani. While I put in a lot of effort to pull off every role, some projects, some characters, some films, some series are just magical. So I think playing Rani Bharti was one magical moment for me.
What advice would you like to give to all the aspiring and upcoming actors who dream to be a star one day?
One piece of advice I'd like to give all aspiring actors is - don't chase stardom, chase excellence in your work, chase good films, good work and enjoy the process of being an actor. You should wake up every day, go to work and try to be better at your craft than you were the previous day. Stardom, success and whatever else that you are searching for will come on their own.
A lot of aspiring actors may like the glamour of the industry but there is a lot of hard work that goes behind it. To truly enjoy the benefits of this line of work you need to enjoy the process as well.