She has portrayed various characters on-screen in films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Ek Thi Daayan, Dedh Ishqiya and Jolly LLB 2, but actress Huma Qureshi says she is waiting for a film where the character she plays “resembles” her.
“There are times when actors do resemble the characters they portray on-screen, but I don’t think I have played myself in front of the camera. I have always portrayed a character. Though I would love to play myself. I think I am very interesting. I need to definitely play myself,” said Qureshi.
“I don’t know what I am in real life. I can’t really describe myself. But what you see on-screen that’s not who we really are. We are very different from the characters we play on-screen,” added the actress.
Qureshi says she has often been misunderstood because of her roles.
“I remember when I did my first film, Gangs of Wasseypur, a lot of people thought that I am a girl from Bihar. I have never visited Bihar before that in my life. When people feel you are that character in real life, then at least as actors we feel that we have done our job nicely.
“A lot of people even thought that I couldn’t speak in English. When they met me, they were surprised. I belong to Delhi and have been born and brought up here,” she said.
Qureshi, who last appeared in Jolly LLB 2, is currently doing a “28-day cleanse” over social media.
“I am not on a fitness regime. Basically it is whatever I eat I will share it with my followers on social media. The idea is to follow a more healthier lifestyle. It is not to lose weight or become a certain size. It’s not for a film. It’s just a way of life,” said Qureshi.
“I need to tell my followers that healthy food is not boring or bland. In a way, I’ve always spoken about how it’s important for us to set better role models for women because I see so many people suffering from so many health issues,” she added.
Qureshi’s last film outing was with filmmaker Gurinder Chadha’s British-Indian film, Viceroy’s House.
“It’s my first English-language film. It was fun and exciting working on the project. Gurinder is a very exciting director to work with. I loved the script when I read it,” she said.
She said that Hindi films will always be her “first love”.
“I want to stay here, but if something interesting comes my way, then I will do it. I don’t want to shift base and go anywhere. I am happy while living in my country,” she said.
Qureshi said right now she is waiting for the release of Viceroy’s House in India.
“There are more interesting things coming up. Viceroy’s House is going to release in India in July or August. They still are finalising a date. We will have an English and Hindi release,” she said.
