From Bayaan to Gangs of Wasseypur: Films that gave Huma Qureshi a global recognition

Huma Qureshi burst onto the scene with Gangs of Wasseypur, Anurag Kashyap’s raw and expansive gangster epic that redefined Indian indie cinema. The movie debuted at Cannes' esteemed Directors’ Fortnight, where Huma captivated audiences with her intense performance and distinctive charisma, instantly marking her as a talent to watch.

Huma Qureshi stars in Bayaan, a powerful drama that earned a spot at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). The film follows a renowned poet who, after years of silence, is forced to confront her traumatic past when a young journalist digs into her life.

Before global streamers popularized Indian stories worldwide, Huma starred in Netflix’s Leila, a dystopian series exploring caste, control, and identity in a futuristic setting. Her powerful, nuanced performance and the show’s bold themes earned it spots at Canneseries and the Berlin International Film Festival, establishing Huma as a standout in socially relevant, globally impactful storytelling.

Huma made her Hollywood debut in Zack Snyder's Netflix blockbuster Army of the Dead, where she played Geeta, a resilient refugee mother in a zombie infested Las Vegas. Starring alongside an international cast, she brought emotional depth to the high-budget action-horror film. Her role proved that Indian actors could shine in global mainstream cinema.

Directed by British-Indian filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, this period drama explored the final months before India’s independence. Premiering at the Berlin International Film Festival, the film featured Huma Qureshi alongside Hugh Bonneville and Gillian Anderson. Playing Aalia, a character torn between history and personal struggle, Huma delivered a performance blending tenderness and strength in a story of displacement. Her role reaffirmed her ability to portray Indian identity with depth for global audiences.