Interview | I have great stories to tell: Huma Qureshi

Huma Qureshi’s Valimai in Tamil and Hindi has done quite well, and her Maharani 1 won accolades, while Maharani Season 2 is to be premiered on an OTT platform soon. Huma also turns producer with Double XL that addresses the sensitive topic of body shaming. She discusses a range of subjects close to her heart.

Excerpts:

What challenges did you face while shooting Maharani Season 2?

We plunged into shooting M2 with just two weeks of prep, soon after returning from the shooting of Double XL in London. There was a little fear within me because of the lack of time. But Subhash Sir was very confident. He said we had done the first season, so now it was only a question of putting Rani Bharti in different situations. Another challenge was the fact that we were shooting in Bhopal in the winter, and we had to get up at 4 a.m. and mouth big lines in a particular accent. But Rani Bharti is an interesting character for me.

Do you feel audiences are attracted by political subjects and conspiracy stories?

I am of the opinion that good and interesting, romantic and action-oriented shows attract audiences, whether they are political or family-based. Well-written content and good performances attract audiences.

You’ve been identified with Rani. How do you feel about that?

Rani Bharthi has got into my DNA. The identity is different from the real me. The discussion is about ‘Rani ab kya karegi?’ Not, ‘How will Huma perform?’ It has been my most satisfying character. It’s so challenging that I really have to forget myself to become Rani. It’s been so rewarding.

What made you decide to become a producer?

I think I have great stories to tell. I love cinema. I wanted to use whatever I have learnt over so many years, and make films for myself and other people. It’s my way of giving back to the industry.