“When I am doing a role, I don’t think that I am getting to wear a mini skirt or show my stomach. I am doing a role because I am an actor.” – Huma Qureshi
Huma Qureshi is one of the most celebrated and versatile actresses in the Indian film industry today. Known for her compelling screen presence, fearless role choices, and authentic persona, Huma has carved a distinct space across Bollywood, OTT platforms, and even global cinema.
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She’s often called the “OTT Queen” thanks to her dominating performances in digital series like “Maharani” and “Leila”. Her bold statements on body positivity, gender equality, and nepotism in Bollywood have made her a strong voice in the entertainment industry. As she once said:
“I am just trying to be the best version of myself, and that’s really important.”
With successful projects like “Gangs of Wasseypur”, “Badlapur”, and her international debut in “Army of the Dead”, she continues to evolve. Fans are now eagerly awaiting her in upcoming titles like “Jolly LLB 3” and “Bayaan”.
As she celebrates her birthday on July 28, we at Dazzlerr send heartfelt wishes to this powerhouse performer and changemaker.
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Early Life and Journey into Films
Born on July 28, 1986, in New Delhi, Huma Saleem Qureshi hails from a progressive and business-oriented family. Her father, Saleem Qureshi, is a well-known restaurateur in Delhi, while her mother, Ameena Qureshi, is a homemaker. Huma pursued a degree in History from Gargi College, Delhi University, while nurturing her passion for acting through the famed Act 1 theatre group, under the mentorship of N.K. Sharma. (Source)
“Everybody has to go through a struggle period, and I was no different. When I came to Mumbai from Delhi, I didn’t know anybody, and all my relationships had to be built up from scratch, including my work relationships.” – Huma Qureshi
Her early visibility came through television commercials with Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, but it was Anurag Kashyap who offered her the role of Mohsina in Gangs of Wasseypur, a film that not only launched her but placed her among the most promising talents of her generation.
Film Highlights: Building a Career of Range and Risk
From thrillers to romantic dramas to political sagas, Huma Qureshi’s film choices reflect her refusal to be stereotyped. Filmmakers and critics have lauded her work for years. Director Zack Snyder, who cast her in the Hollywood zombie heist film Army of the Dead, praised her as “a force of calm intensity who brings emotional weight to action.”
In India, film critic Baradwaj Rangan called her “one of the few actresses who can wear vulnerability like armor.” These aren’t just accolades; they reflect her consistent ability to deliver performances that linger.
Some of her most notable performances include:
- Gangs of Wasseypur (2012): Her debut as Mohsina earned her multiple Filmfare nominations.
View this post on Instagram - Dedh Ishqiya (2014): In this dark comedy alongside Madhuri Dixit, she played a nuanced, quietly defiant woman.
View this post on Instagram - Badlapur (2015): A psychological crime thriller where she held her own against seasoned performers.
View this post on Instagram - Kaala (2018): Opposite Rajinikanth, she played a human rights lawyer with compelling conviction.
View this post on Instagram - Monica, O My Darling (2022): A neo-noir thriller where she delivered a performance that was equal parts seductive and chilling.
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In regional cinema, she’s worked in Malayalam and Tamil films, showing her commitment to strong content over language constraints. Her performance in White (2016), opposite Dulquer Salmaan, added another layer to her cross-industry appeal.
Rise in OTT: The Dominance of Huma Qureshi
OTT platforms gave Huma the space to lead narratives and explore more layered characters. Her digital debut cemented her place as one of the strongest female leads in streaming content.
- Maharani (SonyLIV): Her portrayal of Rani Bharti, an uneducated homemaker thrust into politics, won her a Filmfare OTT Award and critical acclaim.
- Leila (Netflix): In this dystopian series, she played a grieving mother fighting against a totalitarian regime.
- Mithya (ZEE5): A suspenseful psychological thriller where she played a literature professor entangled in a web of deceit.
These shows positioned Huma as more than a performer — they made her a storyteller with command over long-form narratives.
Awards and Recognition
- Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actress (Drama) for Maharani
View this post on Instagram - Filmfare Nominations for Best Female Debut and Best Supporting Actress for Gangs of Wasseypur
- Named among “Top 10 Most Promising Newcomers” by several film magazines after her 2012 debut
- Represented Indian talent globally through Netflix’s Army of the Dead
Endorsements and Beyond Acting
Huma’s charismatic personality and strong public image have made her a popular choice for brand endorsements. Her associations include:
- Brand ambassador for Oriflame India’s color cosmetics range
- Partnered and invested in Moderate, a wellness brand
- Featured in ads for Samsung Mobile, Nerolac Paints, Vita Marie, Pears Soap, Mederma Cream, and Saffola Oil
A Voice That Matters: Advocacy and Impact
“Anybody who says that favoritism doesn’t exist in Bollywood would be lying.” – Huma Qureshi
She once said, “I’m not here to fit into a box. I’m here to make one of my own.” And that has reflected not only in her roles but in her entire public persona.
“My idea of being fit is feeling good about leading a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.” – Huma Qureshi
Her vocal stance on body positivity, equal representation, and gender equality has earned her respect far beyond cinema.
Huma Qureshi Personal Life and Interests
- Age: Born on 28 July 1986, she turns 39 in 2025.
- Brother: Saqib Saleem, also a Bollywood actor
- Instagram: @iamhumaq
- Marriage: Unmarried as of now
- Books: Avid reader of feminist literature and biographies
- Web series: Maharani, Leila, Mithya
- Movies & TV: Gangs of Wasseypur, Dedh Ishqiya, Badlapur, Kaala, Monica, O My Darling, and more
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Projects
Huma Qureshi has several exciting projects lined up:
- Bayaan: World premiere at TIFF in September.
View this post on Instagram - Jolly LLB 3: Reunites with Akshay Kumar
- Maalik: Co-starring Rajkummar Rao, Prosenjit Chatterjee, and Manushi Chhillar
- Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups: Kannada-English bilingual fantasy
- Pooja Meri Jaan: Gaining buzz for its strong storyline
- Gulabi: Expected to showcase another bold role
- Maharani Season 4: Continuing her powerful portrayal as Rani Bharti
Final Thoughts
Huma Qureshi is a symbol of transition in Indian cinema. At a time when the industry is redefining itself through digital platforms, diverse stories, and bold new voices, Huma remains at the forefront.
Whether she’s playing a political leader, a grieving mother, a seductress, or a human rights activist, she does so with conviction and care. She doesn’t perform for applause, she performs to provoke, to empathize, and to connect.
Her story is not about sudden stardom but about sustained excellence. And as her filmography continues to grow, so does her impact, one brave role at a time.
