Huma Qureshi interview: ‘There is merit in being the odd one out’

Maharani, Delhi Crime and Single Salma – Huma Qureshi has had a hat trick of sorts this year. Qureshi’s acclaimed turn as a ruthless trafficker in the Netflix show Delhi Crime’s third season is a departure from her previous work. In the fourth instalment of the popular Sony LIV series Maharani, Qureshi plays the previously clueless and presently up-to-speed Bihar politician Rani Bharti.

This year, Qureshi also produced and headlined the feminist drama Single Salma, in which her heroine resists hopping on to the marriage band wagon. Qureshi has played her fair share of outliers in such films as Gangs of Wasseypur (her first release), Badlapur, Dedh Ishqiya, D-Day, Kaala, Double XL, Monica, O My Darling, Tees and Tarla.

The 39-year-old actor’s upcoming films include Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-ups (led by Kannada star Yash) and her home production Baby Do Die Do. Qureshi spoke to Scroll about the decisions that led to Maharani and Delhi Crime and her chosen path for her future roles. Here are edited excerpts from the interview.

You have been praised for playing a monstrous villain in Delhi Crime 3. How does that make you feel?

I was tearing up. I had goose bumps. My heart was full of gratitude saying, thank you for calling me a monster. I didn’t know that to be called a monster, a beast, evil incarnate, would bring me so much joy.Read more