Huma Qureshi: Straight From The Heart

Actor Huma Qureshi is on a professional high right now. Her Hollywood debut, Army Of The Dead, has been streamed over 75 million times across the world, and her web show Maharani has received stellar reviews. Cosmo Editor, Nandini Bhalla, caught up with the 35-year-old virtually, to learn more about her recent cinematic adventures, her views on female representation in Indian cinema and politics, and what makes Rani Bharti one of the most-cherished characters she has essayed till date.

- Nandini Bhalla

Trench coat, Zara; Olive Halter Swimsuit, Flirtatious; Evil Eye Necklace, Joolry; tan felt hat, H&M

Nandini Bhalla: I want to start by talking about Army Of The Dead. This is your first Hollywood film...it is a big deal.

Huma Qureshi: “It was great fun. Zack [Snyder] is one of the biggest directors in the world, and I love his vision. He is the kind of guy who creates big cinematic moments, and Zack is trying to build a very visual world with Army Of The Dead. Growing up, I used to watch a lot of Hollywood action films, and I would wonder what it would be like to be a part of them. So, when the opportunity came, I jumped on it. And Zack didn’t let me down! Army Of The Dead was streamed over 75 million times, and was trending as #1 on Netflix...that’s insane.”

“I think women are constantly pushed to think about their bodies, and it’s often through a male gaze.”

NB: Army Of The Dead is about a scary zombie outbreak. Speaking of scary things, what are you afraid of?

HQ: “So many things... Losing my family, losing my health, losing my job... The last couple of years have been such an uncertain time. And while the recent months have been exciting for me workwise, it was also a difficult time...there was so much pain and anguish around us. What has brought me joy is the work I have been doing with Save the Children, to raise funds for those in need, and there has been such an outpour of love, donations, encouragement, and support...it was amazing.”