Huma Qureshi – Biography, Age, Movies, Web Series, Awards, Career Journey
Huma Qureshi – Biography, Career, Movies, Web Series & Inspiring Journey
Meta Title: Huma Qureshi – Biography, Age, Movies, Web Series, Awards, Career Journey
Meta Description: Discover the inspiring journey of Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi – her biography, early life, career, movies, web series, awards, and latest news in 2025.
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Introduction – The Many Shades of Huma Qureshi
When we talk about Bollywood actresses who have broken stereotypes, Huma Qureshi is a name that stands tall. From her powerful debut in Gangs of Wasseypur to playing a political leader in Maharani, she has proved time and again that she is much more than a pretty face. In a film industry obsessed with glamour and formulaic roles for women, Huma has carved her niche by choosing strong, layered, and unconventional characters.
Born in Delhi and making her way to the big screen through determination and talent, Huma’s journey is as inspiring as her performances. In this article, we explore her life, career, movies, web series, awards, and future projects, while also touching upon her views on cinema, gender biases, and the art of acting.
Early Life and Education
Huma Saleem Qureshi was born on 28 July 1986 in New Delhi, India, into a family with cultural and business backgrounds. Her father, Saleem Qureshi, is a well-known restaurateur who runs the famous “Saleem’s” restaurant chain in Delhi, while her mother, Ameena Qureshi, is a homemaker.
She grew up in a joint family environment, rich in traditions and storytelling, which may have unconsciously planted the seeds for her acting career. Huma studied at Gargi College, University of Delhi, where she pursued a degree in History Honours.
During her college days, she was actively involved in theatre and participated in various plays, honing her skills in dialogue delivery and character-building.
From Delhi Theatre to Mumbai’s Film Industry
Before films happened, Huma started her career with modelling and advertising. She appeared in several commercials for brands like Samsung, Nerolac, and Pears Soap, often catching the audience’s eye with her expressive face.
Her life took a turn when filmmaker Anurag Kashyap spotted her during a shoot and offered her a role in his ambitious project Gangs of Wasseypur. This marked her entry into Bollywood, and she instantly became a talking point in film circles.
The Breakthrough – Gangs of Wasseypur
Released in 2012, Gangs of Wasseypur was not just a film—it was a cinematic revolution. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, the two-part crime saga became a cult classic, and Huma’s portrayal of Mohsina, the confident and resilient wife of Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s character, was widely appreciated.
Her natural screen presence, effortless dialogues, and the ability to blend into a gritty narrative earned her nominations for Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut and Best Supporting Actress.
Career Growth and Versatility
After her impactful debut, Huma Qureshi didn’t stick to stereotypical Bollywood roles. Instead, she explored a wide range of characters, proving her versatility:
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Dedh Ishqiya (2014): A quirky black comedy alongside Madhuri Dixit and Naseeruddin Shah, where Huma played a mysterious and layered character.
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D-Day (2013): A high-octane action thriller in which she played a RAW agent with conviction.
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Badlapur (2015): Although in a smaller role, her performance added depth to the narrative.
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Jolly LLB 2 (2017): Shared screen space with Akshay Kumar in this courtroom drama.
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Leila (2019 – Netflix): A dystopian web series where she played the lead, receiving critical acclaim for her emotional range.
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Maharani (2021-2024 – SonyLIV): One of her most talked-about roles, where she portrayed Rani Bharti, a village woman who unexpectedly becomes the Chief Minister of Bihar.
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Tarla (2023): A heartwarming biopic of the famous chef Tarla Dalal, showcasing Huma’s ability to carry a film on her shoulders.
Huma Qureshi in the OTT Era
Huma was quick to embrace OTT platforms like Netflix, SonyLIV, and ZEE5, understanding the shift in audience viewing patterns. Her performances in web series such as Leila and Maharani earned her a loyal fan base and critical appreciation.
She has openly credited streaming platforms for allowing actors to explore layered characters that are often missing from commercial cinema.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Huma has been nominated for and has won several awards:
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Filmfare Awards: Multiple nominations for Gangs of Wasseypur and Dedh Ishqiya.
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Indian Television Academy Awards: Best Actress for Maharani.
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Screen Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
While she hasn’t been a constant award-winner, her performances consistently receive respect from critics and peers.
Personal Life and Public Image
Huma Qureshi is known for keeping her personal life relatively private, though she is active on Instagram where she shares glimpses of her work, travels, and advocacy for women’s rights.
She has often spoken about body positivity and breaking unrealistic beauty standards in Bollywood. Huma has also been linked with fellow actors in media speculation, but she maintains a dignified silence on her relationships.
Views on Cinema and Gender Bias
Huma is vocal about the ageism and sexism prevalent in the film industry. In recent interviews, she revealed how after convincingly playing older characters like in Maharani, she was advised to stick to “younger roles” to maintain commercial appeal.
She has also expressed discomfort with how some item numbers in Bollywood are designed, advocating for more respectful and meaningful choreography for female performers.
Huma Qureshi in 2025 – Latest News
In 2025, Huma continues to balance films and web series:
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She made headlines for her dance number in Maalik, which sparked discussions about the male gaze in cinema.
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Reports suggest she is in talks for a major political thriller for an OTT platform, expected to release in late 2025.
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Her upcoming projects also include a historical drama and a cross-border romantic film.
Upcoming Movies & Web Series
While not all projects are officially announced, trade sources hint that Huma will appear in:
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Maharani Season 4 – Continuing the political saga.
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Untitled Historical Drama – Based on real events from India’s post-independence era.
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International Collaboration – A UK-India co-production exploring cultural identity.
Why Huma Qureshi Stands Out
In an industry where many follow a set formula, Huma’s career choices are guided by content over glamour. She is among the few actresses equally respected in art-house cinema, mainstream films, and digital platforms.
Her strong screen presence, powerful dialogue delivery, and refusal to be boxed into one type of role make her an inspiration for aspiring actors.
Huma Qureshi – Quick Facts
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Full Name: Huma Saleem Qureshi
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Date of Birth: 28 July 1986
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Birthplace: New Delhi, India
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Education: History Honours, Gargi College, Delhi University
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Debut Film: Gangs of Wasseypur (2012)
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Known For: Maharani, Dedh Ishqiya, Leila, Tarla
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Instagram: @iamhumaq
Conclusion – The Road Ahead
Huma Qureshi’s story is one of persistence, self-belief, and courage. From Delhi’s theatre stages to becoming one of Bollywood and OTT’s most respected actresses, she has shown that talent and authenticity can pave the way even in an industry dominated by stereotypes.
As of 2025, her career trajectory promises more challenging roles, bigger projects, and perhaps a stronger influence behind the camera as a producer. For audiences, one thing is certain — a Huma Qureshi performance will always bring depth, honesty, and a touch of surprise.
