“I’VE NEVER WANTED TO BE AN ‘IT’ GIRL.”
Our July cover girl Huma Qureshi is living the dream. In 2012, she made her debut with the critically-acclaimed Gangs of Wasseypur and since then, she has broken stereotypes with author-backed roles in films like Dedh Ishqiya (2014), Badlapur (2015), and Viceroy’s House (2017). 2019 has been a fabulous year for her so far. She represented India at the coveted 72nd Cannes Film Festival, and her Netflix debut, Leila, is garnering praise from both Indian and international critics.
As we settle down to chat in-between shots (which are happening inside a life-size refrigerator with temperature colder than what Arctic seals can survive in— -10 degrees, BTW), Huma’s phone is on fire as congratulatory messages and calls are still pouring in. “I feel amazing and ecstatic,” she smiles. Based on Prayaag Akbar’s novel by the same name, the show is set in a dystopian world and follows the journey of Shalini and , this is Netflix India’s third Original Series. It has been directed by Deepa Mehta who has previously directed socially-conscious (and controversial) films like , , and . “A lot of people are saying that something like this has never been done in India, which is heartening to know. I feel humbled. Globally, digital platforms are churning out great content and I’m very happy to be a part of an Indian series that’s being considered to be at par with international films and shows,” Huma tells us.
