The critically acclaimed films, which catapulted Huma Qureshi to stardom, left her feeling “lost” as she didn’t anticipate the massive success. Reflecting on the experience, Huma shared her initial naivety in the industry and her journey of self-discovery in an interview with journalist Barkha Dutt’s Mojo Story.
Recalling her debut, Huma expressed her excitement about entering the film industry and the unexpected impact of Gangs of Wasseypur. She explained that the modestly budgeted film was shot in Varanasi with a small team, and she had no idea about its eventual success. When the film was released in 2012 and became a huge hit, Huma found herself questioning her own worth and wondering about the inner workings of the movie industry.
Here’s what she has to say
She said, “I got my first brush with success pretty early on. Maybe it was just this enthusiasm of getting out of the house and being (an actor) and then Gangs of Wasseypur happened. By 2010 I moved to Mumbai and by 2012 the film was out and it became this big hit in India. My world just exploded. This was a film where they paid me some Rs 75,000, that’s it…I am working with them (Viacom 18) now, they are my producers. But that was my first film and it wasn’t a fancy affair. There were no five-star hotels, cushioning of vanity vans or an army of people (following you). It was like a bunch of people, who went to Varanasi for three months, shot and came back. Nobody had any clue what was happening. So when it came out, I was like, ‘Whoa! I am the lead in the film? My face is on the hoarding?! Should I have gotten paid more for it? Is this how movies get made?’”
Huma emphasized the lack of guidance and support she had during that time, as she navigated the industry alongside her younger brother. The actress confessed to feeling lost and insecure, unsure of her own identity and the type of films she wanted to be a part of. Despite these challenges, Huma remained determined and never considered giving up.
She currently stars in the ZEE5 film Tarla, where she portrays the renowned food writer and chef Tarla Dalal.
