Meet Huma Qureshi: From Delhi’s Theatre Scene to Bollywood & Beyond

Meet Huma Qureshi: From Delhi’s Theatre Scene to Bollywood & Beyond

Born on 28 July 1986 in New Delhi, India, Huma Saleem Qureshi studied History (Honours) at Gargi College, University of Delhi. While in college, she honed her craft through theatre, joining the Act 1 group under mentor N.K. Sharma, and also assisted in documentary filmmaking for NGOs.

Stepping into the Spotlight: Television Commercials

In 2008, Huma moved to Mumbai and signed a contract with Hindustan Unilever, featuring in high-profile ads for Samsung (with Aamir Khan), Nerolac (with Shah Rukh Khan), Saffola, Pears, Vita Marie, and Mederma.

Breakthrough: Gangs of Wasseypur

During a Samsung commercial shoot, director Anurag Kashyap noticed her talent and cast her in his film: Gangs of Wasseypur – Parts 1 & 2 (2012). Her powerful debut earned her nominations for Filmfare Best Female Debut and Best Supporting Actress, instantly positioning her as one of Bollywood’s most promising newcomers.

Rising Through Diverse Roles

Huma showcased her versatility with memorable roles in films across genres and languages:

• Ek Thi Daayan, Dedh Ishqiya (2014), Badlapur (2015), Highway (Marathi, 2015), Kaala (Tamil, 2018), and Jolly LLB 2 (2017).

• On the digital frontier: Leila (2019), Maharani (2021) – for which she earned a Filmfare OTT Award.

• International roles include Army of the Dead (Hollywood, 2021) and the dystopian Monica, O My Darling (2022).

• 2023 saw her shine in Tarla, a biopic of chef Tarla Dalal.

• Looking ahead, she's set to star in the police procedural Bayaan, premiering at TIFF 2025.

Beyond Acting: Author & Producer

Huma has branched into production and literature. She produced Double XL and the short Ek Dopahar, and made her literary debut with Zeba: An Accidental Superhero in 2023.

Fun Facts & Philanthropy

• Known for her style and grace, Huma was once a self-described "geek" who preferred her dad’s clothes over fashion trends.

• She led impactful initiatives during India’s second COVID wave, raising ₹2 crores to set up a 100-bed COVID ward in Delhi

In just over a decade, Huma Qureshi has carved a unique space for herself in the entertainment industry—balancing mainstream Bollywood, offbeat cinema, international projects, and OTT hits with equal ease. Her journey from Delhi’s theatre stages to global screens is a testament to her talent, determination, and willingness to explore uncharted creative territories. As she continues to evolve as an actress, producer, and now author, Huma stands as an inspiration for aspiring artists who dream of making it big without compromising on authenticity. With an exciting lineup of projects ahead, her story is far from over—in fact, it’s only getting more compelling.