Huma Qureshi: Barely understand politics and I wish to stay that way

Huma Qureshi discusses portraying a chief minister in Maharani with aplomb despite her lack of interest in politics.

Like her web debut Leila, Huma Qureshi’s latest offering, Maharani, has her leading from the front. And boy, does she grab your attention from the get-go. From an illiterate homemaker who is content running her kitchen to running the state, Qureshi lends at once a sensitive air and steely nerve to her Rani Bharti in the SonyLIV series. In a chat with mid-day, the actor talks about “delivering ignorance” with her eyes and why she will take “10 years to understand politics”.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

There has been a lot of talk about Maharani being based on Rabri Devi’s life.
There is no similarity at all. It is a work of fiction. The germ of the idea may have come from there, but the story is completely different. Before [people jump to conclusions], they should watch the series.

What was your first thought when the series was offered to you?
We made the series between the two lockdowns. When the first lockdown happened, Subhash sir [Kapoor, creator] told me about the show. It was one of the first Zoom narrations of my life. I loved the story, the world [it is set in], and the character’s graph.

Also Read: 'Playing Rani Bharati is multifaceted, that has been great honour to portray'

A still from Maharani

How did the role challenge you?
Our society has restrictions on what women should and shouldn’t do. Rani [her character] is an illiterate homemaker. For such a woman to become a chief minister and wield power is an inspiration. We all have stories where we’ve been told ‘You cannot do it’ or ‘This is not for you’. Many people thought I couldn’t be an actor or move to Mumbai. But I figured it out, like most women. When I was reading the script, they had written that she was a strong woman. I had an objection to the word ‘strong’. In my life, I have never met a woman who is not strong.

As a character, Rani Bharti is so different from me. I have never lived in a village, I have had the luxury of a good, educated life and I am not married. To become that character was a challenge. If you know something, how do you bring that ignorance into your eyes? Intelligence is such a giveaway.

How well-versed are you with Indian politics?
I barely understand politics and wish to stay that way. I am an actor; delivering lines is my priority. But Subhash sir, writers Singh Nandan, Uma Shankar Singh are well-versed in politics as they have a background in journalism. By the time I figure out [politics], 10 years would go by. I’d rather just focus on acting.

Having worked in Hollywood, are there any changes you would like incorporated in Bollywood? The way #MeToo brought about a change internationally, perhaps?
Post #MeToo India, people aware that if one has [an issue] on a film set, it can be addressed and put an end to. The comfort of knowing the legal rights on a film set, whether you are in front or behind the camera, is important. One thing I’d like to borrow from a Hollywood set is the silence. Here, everyone is talking when a shot is about to start, which is irritating. There, it’s complete silence, and helps an artiste to get into the zone. 

Are you satisfied with your Hollywood debut?
I debuted in Bollywood with Gangs of Wasseypur [2012], where I was launched with 200 other actors. I have never been afraid of ensemble films. The whole conversation about the length of the scene is silly. It is about the impact I am creating. The opportunity to be part of a Zack Snyder film [Army of the Dead] and its cinematic value is unparalleled.

Also Read: Army of the Dead: Huma Qureshi is hanging out in the ruins

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