Huma Qureshi speaking with Subhash K Jha delves into her extremely busy and satisfying career including latest projects, from a range of films to season 4 of Maharani and then reveals what’s coming soon.
2025 is an exceptionally busy year for you?
This year has been one of my busiest and most exciting years. I did the song and dance ‘Dil Thaam Ke’ from Maalik, starred in a ₹100-crore film Jolly LLB 3, took Bayaan — a film I also executive produced — to Toronto International Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival, had Single Salma in theatres, and now have Maharani Season 4 and Delhi Crime Season 3 releasing this month. It’s just that for the past two years I was shooting non-stop, and now everything is finally releasing together. I feel extremely seen and grateful right now.
Single Salma and now Maharani place the female hero at their centre. Is it tough for you to find such roles?
It’s really heartening to see how stories with strong women in the lead are increasing. I love that there’s so much variety now — from emotional dramas to thrillers and even action films. In fact, I’m playing a female hitwoman in Baby Do Die Do, which is the first film from my home production, Saleem Siblings. So, yes, it’s a great time to be an actress because you’re no longer boxed into one kind of role.
You are now into the fourth season of Maharani. How much of an insider into your character’s world have you become over the seasons?
I remember when I started work on Maharani, I actually asked myself if it was okay to play a mother of three on screen. But then I realised — that’s the truth of so many women’s lives, and if that’s what the story demands, I’ll do it wholeheartedly. That’s what makes Rani Bharti so powerful — she represents real women, and how power in their hands can create real change. Season after season, Maharani has become my home. This role has given me so much love and stability — it really feels like a blessing.
Was it hard initially for you to navigate through Rani’s accent and body language?
I’ve actually always been good with accents! It’s something I genuinely enjoy working on. For Maharani, I worked on the Bihari dialect; in Delhi Crime Season 3, I have a Haryanvi tone; and in Single Salma, there’s a UP lilt to her speech. These small details help me get under the character’s skin. Once you get the rhythm of how a character speaks, everything else starts to fall into place naturally.
Where do you and your brother see your production plans going from here?
Right now, our first big focus is releasing Baby Do Die Do. Some final work is still happening on it, but we’re thrilled about how it’s shaping up. The film is very close to our hearts. We started our production house to tell stories that we genuinely believe in — stories that others may not be making, but should be told. The idea is to create space for fresh voices and ideas while also pushing ourselves creatively.
What do we see you in next?
Next up is Baby Do Die Do, our first film from Saleem Siblings. Then there’s Toxic, which I truly feel is going to be one of the biggest films of next year. Beyond that, there are a couple of projects in the pipeline that we’re currently shooting — each very different from the other. It’s an exciting time creatively, and I’m just enjoying the process.
Would you say your life and career are going as you want them to?
Absolutely. I’m in a very happy space — personally and professionally. I love being busy, I love that I’m exploring so many worlds at once, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. I feel like everything I’ve been working on quietly for the past few years is now blooming together. It’s a good phase — full of energy, gratitude, and excitement for what’s ahead.
