Huma Qureshi on Facing Judgement for Turning Author: “It’s Not Expected from an Actor”

Huma Qureshi, known for her versatile acting roles in Bollywood, is also carving a niche for herself as an author. After her debut book, Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, she recently announced the completion of her second book, Dhundh. However, Huma admits that her transition from actor to author has not been without its challenges.

Judgement from the Industry:
In a recent conversation, Huma spoke candidly about the prejudices she faces for venturing into writing. “It’s not expected from an actor in our industry to do something as intellectual as being an author,” she shared. Huma’s shift from acting to writing has been met with surprise and, at times, scepticism.

On Being Judged:
Speaking about the judgments, Huma remarked, “Ek to sab ko gyaan dena hota hai actors ko, pata nahi kyun. Sabhi ke paas koi guru mantra hota hai that you should do this or that.” She added that while many feel the need to offer unsolicited advice, she hasn’t asked for any opinions. “I’m not trying to be rude, but I haven’t asked for any of those opinions,” she said, highlighting the freedom she feels in pursuing her passion on her own terms.

The Freedom to Experiment:
Huma also expressed her frustration with the industry’s rigid expectations. “Sometimes you need to let people explore, and if they make a mistake, it’s fine. It’s okay to make mistakes, try something new and fail,” she said. For Huma, the true issue lies in not trying something different. “The most boring thing for me would be to look the same, sound the same and land up the same every day to work,” she added.

She emphasized the importance of experimenting and taking risks, stating that, “People go through their entire lives being scared to experiment, doing the same stuff till kingdom come. I find that very suffocating.”

A Message to Aspiring Creatives:
Huma’s message is clear: take risks, fail if you must, but never be afraid to try. She believes the biggest failure is in not attempting anything new. “I might not be successful in everything I try, but I want people to say that at least she tried,” she concluded, encouraging others to embrace change and explore new avenues.

Through her journey as an author and creative, Huma is proving that actors can be more than just performers. She continues to challenge industry norms and explore her diverse creative interests, making her an inspiration for many.