Huma Qureshi (actress)

This article is about an Indian film actress. For the freelance journalist, see Huma Qureshi (journalist).

Huma Qureshi

Huma posing and looking away from the camera

Qureshi at the 58th Filmfare Awards, January 2013
Born Huma Saleem Qureshi
28 July 1986
Delhi, India
Nationality Indian
Alma mater Gargi College, University of Delhi
Occupation Actress, model
Years active 2012–present
Relatives Saqib Saleem (brother)

Huma Qureshi (pronounced [ɦuːmaː qureʃiː]; born 28 July 1986 in Delhi) is an Indian actress who mainly works in Hindi cinema. She worked as a theatre actor and model before beginning her film career. After starring in several theatrical productions, Qureshi moved to Mumbai and signed a two-year contract with Hindustan Unilever to appear in television commercials. During the shoot of a Samsung mobile commercial, Anurag Kashyap noticed her acting ability and signed her for his films.

Qureshi made her feature film debut with a supporting role in the 2012 critically acclaimed crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur - Part 1 and Part 2. Qureshi's performance won wide critical acclaim, earning several nominations in the Best Supporting Actress and Best Female Debut category (including Filmfare). She further received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a range of characters, including a witch in the horror thriller Ek Thi Daayan, a RAW explosives expert in the underworld drama D-Day, and the promiscuous companion of a Begum in the black comedy thriller Dedh Ishqiya. In 2012, IBN Live called her one of the most promising newcomers in India.[1]

Early life and modelling career

Qureshi was born on 28 July 1986 in Delhi, India.[2] Her father, Saleem Qureshi, is a restaurateur who runs a chain of restaurants (Saleem's); her mother, Ameena Qureshi (a Kashmiri), is a housewife.[3][4] She has three brothers that includes actor Saqib Saleem.[4] She grew up in Kalkaji, Greater Kailash, South Delhi.[5] Qureshi did her History Honours at the Gargi College.[6] Later, she joined Act 1 theatre group and performed in few theatre productions. Qureshi has worked with several NGOs and assisted a documentary filmmaker.[3]

In 2008, she moved to Mumbai to audition for film roles, auditioning for a film (Junction) which was never made: "I never thought of coming to Mumbai or being an actress. But when my friend called me for an audition for a movie called Junction, it set me thinking. Sadly, the film never got made".[3] Qureshi signed a two-year contract with Hindustan Unilever to appear in their television commercials.[7] She promoted a range of products, including Samsung Mobile (with Aamir Khan), Nerolac (with Shah Rukh Khan), Vita Marie, Saffola Oil, Mederma Cream and Pears Soap.[7][8] During a shoot for a Samsung Mobile commercial, director Anurag Kashyap was impressed with her acting ability and promised to use her in a film. Qureshi recalled, "I didn't believe him then. You hear lots of such stories in this industry so I wasn't waiting with bated breath". Kashyap kept his promise, though, casting her in the two-part crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur.[3]

Acting career

Debut and breakthrough (2012–present)

Qureshi at a press meet for Gangs of Wasseypur, 2012

Qureshi was initially scheduled to make her film debut in Billa II, after surviving an audition out of 700 candidates. Although cast as the female lead, when the film was delayed, Qureshi left the project to honour other work commitments:[9][10] "I have no regrets. I wish it had worked out but it didn't. I am not someone who sits and laments over things. I was approached for several other south films too but the roles weren't what I was looking for".[9]

Qureshi featured in the short film Sujata; her performance earned her a Special Mention at the 2012 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.[11][12] That year, she made her feature film debut with a supporting role in Anurag Kashyap's crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1 alongside Manoj Bajpayee, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Richa Chadda and Nawazuddin Siddiqui. The plot (spanning 50 years) tells a story of power struggles, politics and vengeance among three crime families. Qureshi played Mohsina, the love interest of Faizal Khan (Siddiqui). She described her character as a small-town airhead who thinks she is the prettiest girl in the village: "Mohsina tries to copy everything she sees on the big screen in her own little ways. She is heavily influenced by Bollywood".[13] The film premiered at the 65th Cannes Film Festival, and both the film and actress received positive reviews from critics[14][15] Govind Nihalani noted her screen presence, comparing the actress to Smita Patil: "an earthiness, sincerity, intensity and warmth of personality, qualities that distinguished Smita, apart from the fact that she was a very fine and instinctive actress. Huma is a good enough actress on her own, someone who can stand apart from the crowd and hold her own".[16] Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama noted, "Huma Qureshi, who's introduced much later in the film...is wonderful".[17] The Telegraph labelled her appearance "unconventional" and noted "Bollywood is largely about ex-beauty queens and size zero PYTs. Dusky and slightly bigger than the other newbies, she brings a raw sensuality on screen that is quite irresistible".[18] The Express Tribune added, "When it comes to looks, [Huma] is different from the typical Bollywood actors".[8] In 2012 Qureshi appeared on Rediff.com's annual list of "Bollywood's Top Ten Debutants" (male and female) and placed third, the highest female position.[19] The actress reprised her role as Mohsina in the second instalment of Gangs of Wasseypur, Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2. The film premiered in the Cannes Directors' Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival with its prequel. It opened to wide critical acclaim,[14] and her portrayal again received positive reviews. Madhureeta Mukherjee of The Times of India said "Huma Qureshi, with her gaudy clothes, designer sun-glasses and unusual attractiveness is the hottest cheez in Wasseypur. She beautifully lends support as a powerful man's 'prouder' better-half, even in his worst crimes",[20] and Taran Adarsh found her "simply fantastic".[21] Both films earned Qureshi several best supporting actress nominations (including the Filmfare Award) and best female debut nominations.[22] Qureshi described Gangs of Wasseypur as a "life-changing film".[16] She next starred as the feisty Punjabi girl Harman in the comedy Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, with Kunal Kapoor. The film describes a quest for an ancient family dish (chicken Khurana). Rediff.com noted, "Huma Qureshi looks right for the role and she delivers a wonderful performance".[23] Aniruddha Guha of Daily News and Analysis said, "[Qureshi], on the other hand, is charming as the fiery Punjaban, Harman. Her refreshingly natural acting style impresses again in a role that has shades of her character in the Gangs of Wasseypur.[24] However, Anupama Chopra described her performance as "a little bland".[25] Despite good reviews, the film was unsuccessful at the box office.

Recent work (2013–present)

Qureshi at a promotional event for D-Day, 2013

Qureshi's first release of 2013 was the supernatural thriller Ek Thi Daayan, alongside Emraan Hashmi, Konkona Sen Sharma and Kalki Koechlin. The film revolves around a magician, who is haunted by a witch, received mixed reviews by critics.[26] However, her performance was well received. The Indian Express noted that Qureshi has just a few good moments, but makes the most of them while, Koimoi noted that Qureshi has a remarkably pleasant and confident screen presence.[27][28] Raja Sen of Rediff.com praised the female cast and wrote "The three leading ladies – Konkona Sen Sharma, Huma Qureshi and Kalki Koechlin are smashing in their roles...Each plays their given role with frighteningly good flair, and each deserves a big hand."[29]

Qureshi's short film Sujata—which was screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles in 2012—was released to the public as one of the segments in the Anurag Kashyap-produced anthology film Shorts. She played the eponymous lead as a young girl who is struggling to come out of the clutches of her tormenting cousin brother (played by Satya Anand).[30] The film received generally positive reviews from critics, and Qureshi earned critical acclaim for her performance.[31][11]

Qureshi next appeared as a RAW explosives expert, Zoya Rehman in Nikhil Advani's underworld drama D Day.[32] The film received positive feedback from critics and Qureshi's performance received favourable reviews; Subhash K. Jha mentioned that Qureshi's acting is "effortlessly appealing and effective."[33][34]

In 2014, Qureshi featured in Abhishek Chaubey's Dedh Ishqiya (sequel of Ishqiya), co-starring Madhuri Dixit, Arshad Warsi and Naseeruddin Shah.[35] The film met with mostly positive reviews from critics, and Qureshi received praise for her portrayal as the promiscuous companion of Begum Para (Dixit).[36] In a 5-star review, Raja Sen commented that "Qureshi uses her fiercely intelligent eyes to great effect", whilst Mohar Basu agreed, saying that "Huma Qureshi is brilliant and confident. The actress has in her the vivacious energy that proves her talent."[37][38] Qureshi'slast appearance of 2014 was Rochak Kohli's Music Video " Mitti Di Khusboo" with Ayushmann Khurrana, was highly praised. India Today noted; "The chemistry the two Ayushmann and Huma share onscreen ha the raw flavour of the countryside romance".[39] As of Feb, 2015 Qureshi starred in Sriram Raghavan's action thriller Badlapur,alongside Varun Dhawan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Yami Gautam. The film was a big success.[40]

Upcoming Projects

As of February 2015, Qureshi has several projects in various stages of production. She has completed work on the experimental film X. The film consists of a directorial team of 11, with Qureshi working under the direction of film critic Raja Sen; she will feature alongside Anshuman Jha.[41] She has also finished shooting for the Marathi film Highway.[42] She is currently filming for Oculus, a remake of Hollywood film of same name along her brother Saqib Saleem.[43]

Filmography

Films

Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Film Role Notes
2012 Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1 Mohsina
2012 Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2
2012 Trishna Herself Special appearance in song "Maintenance"
2012 Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana Harman
2013 Ek Thi Daayan Tamara
2013 Shorts Sujata
2013 D-Day Zoya Rehman
2014 Dedh Ishqiya Muniya
2015 Badlapur Jhimli
2015 X Films that have not yet been released TBA Post-production[41]
2015 Highway Films that have not yet been released[42] TBA Marathi film

Music videos

Awards and nominations

Year Film Award Category Result
2012 Shorts Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles Special Mention Won[11]
Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 1 and
Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2		 BIG Star Entertainment Awards Most Entertaining Actor (Film) Debut—Female Won[44]
Filmfare Awards Best Female Debut (also for Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana) Nominated[45]
Filmfare Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated[22]
IIFA Awards Best Actress Nominated[46]
Screen Awards Most Promising Newcomer–Female Nominated[47]
Best Supporting Actress Nominated[47]
South Africa India Film and Television Awards Debut Actor of the Year—Female Won[48]
South Asian Rising Star Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Won[49]
Star Guild Awards Best Female Debut Nominated[50]
Stardust Awards Searchlight Best Actress (also for Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana) Nominated[51]
Times of India Film Awards Best Debut Female Nominated[52]
2013 D-Day BIG Star Entertainment Awards Most Entertaining Actor in a Thriller Film—Female Nominated[53]
2014 Zee Cine Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role—Female Nominated[54]
Ek Thi Daayan Screen Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated[55]
Dedh Ishqiya Stardust Awards Breakthrough Supporting Performance—Female Won[56]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Huma Qureshi to Varun Dhawan: The most promising newcomers of 2012". CNN-IBN. 12 December 2012. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  2. ↑ "Huma Quraishi Biography". Koimoi. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Upadhyay, Karishma (7 August 2012). "Huma's home run". The Telegraph. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Singh, Raghuvendra (19 April 2013). "Saqib Saleem & Huma Qureshi on Acting & Sibling Rivalry". iDiva. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  5. ↑ "I would love to start a chocolate factory: Huma Qureshi". The Times of India. 11 June 2013. Retrieved 6 July 2013.
  6. ↑ Gupta, Priya (19 April 2013). "I am not dating Anurag Kashyap: Huma Qureshi". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Loynmoon, Karishma (17 July 2012). "Who's that girl?". Filmfare. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Indo-Asian News Service (15 November 2012). "Huma Qureshi doesn't feel like an outsider in filmdom". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Srinivasan, Lata (14 May 2012). "I have no regrets: Huma Qureshi". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  10. ↑ "Meet Ajith's new heroine". Rediff.com. 12 April 2011. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "2012 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles Announces Award Winners". Indian Film Festival. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  12. ↑ Singh, Jitender (7 July 2013). "Huma Qureshi joins Bollywood's 'Best Actresses' league". The News Tribe. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  13. ↑ Bhandaram, Vishnupriya (8 June 2012). "Honestly upbeat". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 31 March 2013. Retrieved 31 March 2013.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Gangs of Wasseypur". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  15. ↑ "Remember 'PERMISSION' act by Huma Qureshi & Nawazuddin Siddiqui?". Dainik Bhaskar. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Bhattacharya, Roshmila (17 February 2013). "Gangs to Ganges". The Telegraph. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  17. ↑ Adarsh, Taran (22 June 2012). "Gangs of Wasseypur – Review". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  18. ↑ "NEWBILE SIX!". The Telegraph. 8 September 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  19. ↑ Sen, Raja (19 December 2012). "Bollywood's Top Ten Debutants of 2012". Rediff.com. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  20. ↑ Mukherjee, Madhureeta (7 August 2012). "Gangs of Wasseypur 2 – Review". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  21. ↑ Adarsh, Taran (7 August 2012). "Gangs of Wasseypur 2 – Review". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "58th Idea Filmfare Awards nominations are here!". Filmfare. 13 January 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  23. ↑ Khilnani, Rohit (2 November 2012). "Review: Chicken Khurana is one tasty dish!". Rediff.com. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  24. ↑ Guha, Aniruddha (1 November 2013). "Review: Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana lacks the required salt". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  25. ↑ Chopra, Anupama (2 November 2013). "Anupama Chopra's review: Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 10 April 2013.
  26. ↑ "Critics' review: Ek Thi Daayan is a blend of horror, psycho thriller". Hindustan Times. 19 April 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  27. ↑ Gupta, Shubhra (20 April 2013). "Review Ek Thi Daayan: Movie has well-calibrated chills". The Indian Express. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  28. ↑ Basu, Mohar (19 April 2013). "Ek Thi Daayan Review". Koimoi. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  29. ↑ Sen, Raja (19 April 2013). "Review: Ek Thi Daayan is impressively creepy". Rediff.com. Retrieved 29 April 2013.
  30. ↑ "Huma Qureshi was apprehensive to go de-glam for 'Sujata'". The Times of India. 6 July 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  31. ↑ "Critics' review: Shorts is breathtaking to borderline bizarre". Hindustan Times. 12 July 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  32. ↑ Behrawala, Krutika (19 October 2012). "Huma Qureshi as immigration officer in 'D-Day'". The Indian Express. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  33. ↑ Shah, Shreya (19 July 2013). "Review: ‘D-Day’ is ‘Explosive’". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  34. ↑ Jha, Subhash K. (18 July 2013). "Film Review: 'D-Day' is an acutely accomplished work of art". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  35. ↑ "Huma Qureshi replaces Kangna Ranaut for Dedh Ishqiya". Hindustan Times. 2 February 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  36. ↑ "Full Marks to 'Dedh Ishqiya'". The Wall Street Journal. 10 January 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  37. ↑ Sen, Raja (10 January 2014). "Review: Madhuri Dixit dazzles with Dedh Ishqiya". Rediff.com. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  38. ↑ Basu, Mohar. "Dedh Ishqiya Review". Koimoi. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  39. ↑ http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/watch-mitti-di-khusboo-new-song-by-ayushmann-khurrana/1/394965.html
  40. ↑ "Huma Qureshi to play a prostitute in ‘Badlapur’, Yami Gautam is Varun Dhawan’s wife". The Indian Express. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  41. ↑ 41.0 41.1 Singha, Sutapa (30 September 2013). "Huma Qureshi in X, the film". The Times of India. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Khanzada, Farida (31 October 2014). "Huma Qureshi makes her Marathi film debut with Highway". The Indian Express. Retrieved 31 October 2014.
  43. ↑ "Huma Qureshi to star opposite Saqib Saleem in Oculus remake".
  44. ↑ Parande, Shweta (18 December 2012). "Big Star Entertainment Awards 2012 winners' list". Bollywoodlife.com. Retrieved 8 April 2013.
  45. ↑ "Huma Qureshi—Awards". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  46. ↑ "Nominations for IIFA Awards 2013". Bollywood Hungama. 22 April 2013. Retrieved 11 May 2013.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "Nominations of 19th Screen Awards". The Indian Express. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  48. ↑ "Winners of SAIFTA Awards 2013". Bollywood Hungama. 7 September 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  49. ↑ "Huma Qureshi wins an award but fails to collect it". NDTV. 29 October 2012. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
  50. ↑ "Star Guild Awards—Nominees". Star Guild Awards. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  51. ↑ "Nominations for Stardust Awards 2013". Bollywood Hungama. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
  52. ↑ "TOIFA 2013 nominations". The Times of India. 7 February 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  53. ↑ "Nominations for 4th Big Star Entertainment Awards". Bollywood Hungama. 12 December 2013. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  54. ↑ Mudi, Aparna (6 February 2014). "Zee Cine Awards 2014: Complete list of nominations". Zee News. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  55. ↑ "20th Annual Screen Awards 2014: The complete list of nominees". CNN-IBN. 8 January 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2014.
  56. ↑ "Winners of Stardust Awards 2014". Bollywood Hungama. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 15 December 2014.

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