Huma Qureshi: 'I'll Never Work with My Brother Again'

Teaming up for the first time in new film Dobaara has been a learning experience for the Qureshis. Huma and Saqib Saleem get candid about working together, splitting chores at home and what sparks off the sibling rivalry.

- Sandipan Dalal

There is no doubt that siblings Huma Qureshi and Saqib Saleem Qureshi are similar yet so different as they prepare for the Femina photoshoot at a central Mumbai studio, nearly two months ahead of the release of their film, Dobaara. The siblings, who were born and raised in Delhi, complete six years in Mumbai this year—and they’re marking this milestone by featuring together in the official Hindi remake of Mike Flanagan’s horror movie, Oculus. Unlike their adult sibling characters in the film, the Qureshis share a solid relationship and inspire each other. “She has always been the focussed one in the family. I’m the drifter,” says Saqib who moved to the city six months after Huma for a relationship that, sadly, didn’t last. “I got dumped by my (then) girlfriend and only after that I started going for auditions to do something constructive,” he adds. His sister says of that time, “We became even closer. I share everything with him, even my heartbreaks. He tells me that I’m a bad judge of people so that has led me to become more careful.” The siblings discuss their journey with warmth, candour and big laughs all around.

Huma, you’ve said that your favourite part of the Malayalam film White was getting to romance an elderly man. Saqib, your film Bombay Talkies also had an unconventional love story. Are you both suckers for romance?

Huma Qureshi: I have done very few romantic films but in real life I’m an absolute sucker for romance. Like Roshni (her character in White), I’m extremely silly about love. I believe in instant attraction and connection on the first meeting.

Saqib Saleem Qureshi: I moved to Mumbai, six months after Huma relocated here, for a girl I was seeing back then. My girlfriend dumped me and I went on to become an actor!