Happy Birthday, Huma Qureshi: From almost starring opposite SRK to leading India's only TIFF 2025 entry, there's more you didn't know

Time of India

6 days ago

Whether it's portraying the middle-aged home chef in Tarla or the young and mysterious Monica in Monica, O My Darling, Huma Qureshi brings every role to life with power and ease. From Double XL to Leila, she has always chosen bold, different characters, and made them her own. Interestingly, after completing 13 years in cinema, she's not just an actor, she's also a producer.
Her latest film Bayaan has been selected for the Discovery section at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), the only Indian film in that category this year. Huma not only plays the lead but also takes on the role of executive producer. She marked the moment with a heartfelt note on Instagram, celebrating both a personal and professional high.
6 lesser-known facts about Huma Qureshi
Today, as Huma turns 39 and celebrates her big day, here's a look at some lesser-known moments from her powerful journey in films, and a glimpse into the years that shaped her before the spotlight found her.
Her acting journey started in Delhi, not Mumbai
Before entering the world of films, Huma earned her bachelor's degree in history with honors from Gargi College, University of Delhi. It was during her college years that she discovered a passion for acting. She soon became active in Delhi's theater circle, joining several groups that honed her performance skills.
Huma's Ad with Aamir Khan landed her a film deal, here's how
Huma's life took a turn when she landed a two-year contract with Hindustan Unilever in Mumbai. She appeared in ads for Pears, Nerolac, Vita Marie, and Saffola. But it was a Samsung mobile ad, which also featured Aamir Khan, that changed her life. The ad was directed by Anurag Kashyap, who was so impressed by her performance during the shoot that he later cast her in a three-film deal, leading to her act in Gangs of Wasseypur (2012).
She was set to star opposite SRK in Raees, but then this happened
During those ad days, Huma also shared screen space with Shah Rukh Khan in a Nerolac advertisement. Years later, she got a chance to reunite with Khan on the big screen with Rahul Dholakia's Raees. Although she fit the role, the makers eventually replaced her with Mahira Khan, reportedly looking for someone who could bring in 'a certain kind of mannerisms.'
Two big films that never happened
Many believe Gangs of Wasseypur was her debut, but Huma had actually bagged another film first. After moving to Mumbai in 2008, she was selected for a movie titled Junction, which never took off. She was also chosen out of 700 actors for Billa 2 but opted out due to production delays.
She's acted in multiple languages
While Huma is known for her strong presence in Hindi cinema, she has also left her mark in other industries. She's acted in Marathi, Malayalam and Tamil films, appeared in TV shows, and even featured in music albums
Huma turned author with a superhero book
Beyond the screen, Huma has explored her literary side. She authored a book titled Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, marking her entry into the publishing world. The book blends fiction and inspiration, showcasing a different side of the actor that fans might not have expected.
She has explored many roles over the years and continues to take on new challenges in front of and behind the camera. Which of her works have stayed with you the most?