A NEW ACT FOR HUMA QURESHI

THE SPIRITED PERFORMER TALKS TO HELLO! ABOUT THE SCHOOL POETRY THAT IGNITED HER LITERARY ASPIRATIONS, HER BIGGEST CHEERLEADER (MOM, NATURALLY) AND THE UNEXPECTED DRIVE BEHIND HER AMBITIONS - A BIRKIN!

- SONAL NERURKAR

We’re warming up to a discussion about Huma Qureshi’s aspirations as a writer when she apologises and says she has to run — quite literally. The actress is currently on the set of her own production, and between takes of an intense action sequence. We can’t help but draw attention to the irony of her describing the kick-ass protagonist in her new book, Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, while actually kicking ass for a shot. “As they say, if this is the hustle, bring it on!” she exclaims with a laugh. “A thousand and one tasks before we call it a day — shooting an action sequence while chatting about my superhero book. This is living my best life.”

It does appear the age of Huma has arrived; a decade since her impactful debut in the gritty Gangs of Wasseypur — Part 1, the versatile actress now wears many hats, including that of an author. She openly acknowledges feeling apprehensive about this new venture. “Starting the journey of writing felt like navigating uncharted waters,” she confesses, adding, “like I was making my debut all over again.” Contrary to her move into films, which naturally followed her involvement in theatre in her hometown of New Delhi, her venture into writing began at an early stage. “I’ve always been a doodler and a writer. I’ve been journalling for 20 years, capturing my thoughts and my day. You can call it self-help, therapy or just vomiting your day out —scheduling, manifesting, planning,” she says.