Before becoming one of Bollywood's most recognized faces, Huma Qureshi faced an unexpected hurdle - her own family's disbelief in her first film opportunity. The actress, who made her impactful debut with Anurag Kashyap's gritty gangster saga 'Gangs of Wasseypur', recently revealed that her initial break into the film industry was met with suspicion and concern from her parents.
The Suspicious Beginning
In a candid conversation with Mid-day, Huma Qureshi recalled how her family reacted when she received her very first film offer. Her parents were so wary of the opportunity that they genuinely believed it might be part of a 'prostitution racket'. Coming from a non-film background, they couldn't comprehend how someone would approach their daughter with a legitimate movie role without any prior connections in the industry.
'My parents didn't believe it,' Huma confessed during the interview. 'They thought, why would somebody cast you? I think it was the most audacious thing they had heard. They thought it was a prostitution racket; they were convinced.' Looking back at the incident now, the actress finds her parents' reaction somewhat amusing, though it highlighted their protective nature and lack of understanding about the entertainment world.
Navigating Family Concerns
Despite her family's skepticism, Huma demonstrated remarkable determination by exploring the offer herself. She visited the production office, carefully read the script, and was even called for a screen test the following day. However, in an unfortunate twist of fate, the film never materialized, leaving the aspiring actress disappointed at the time.
'That made me sad,' Huma admitted, reflecting on the project that never saw the light of day. For someone just beginning her journey in the competitive world of cinema, this setback was particularly challenging as she was eager to prove that her chosen career path was both real and legitimate.
From Suspicion to Stardom
Huma Qureshi's persistence eventually paid off when she gained widespread recognition through her powerful performance in 'Gangs of Wasseypur: Part 2' in 2012. Since her breakthrough role, she has built an impressive portfolio with notable performances in films including 'Ek Thi Daayan', 'Badlapur', and 'Jolly LLB 2'.
More recently, the actress has made her mark in the digital space with significant roles in popular web series. She starred in 'Maharani Season 4' and played a key role in Shefali Shah's critically acclaimed series 'Delhi Crime Season 3', showcasing her versatility across different platforms and genres.
Interestingly, Huma revealed that even after her successful career spanning over a decade, her parents still have limited understanding of how the film industry operates. 'Even now, I don't think they have too much understanding of the ways of the industry,' she shared, indicating that some things haven't changed despite her professional achievements.
The journey from being suspected of entering a 'prostitution racket' to becoming an established Bollywood star illustrates not just Huma Qureshi's personal growth but also the challenges faced by outsiders trying to make it in the Indian film industry without family connections or industry background.
