Huma Qureshi returns as Dr Juhi in Mithya 2, says it is more darker than the first part - Exclusive

Huma reprises the role of author Juhi in the second season and said she is blessed to be able to portray such nuanced characters on screen in such a short career span.

"Plagiarism is what season 1 was based around, and season 2 also takes it to the next level, where we tend to see the pages are turned and believe that you're being blamed for plagiarism. And now what she's going to do, you know, moving forward. It's a very, very, like, nuanced character. It's a character that I've had a lot of fun, like, training. And, I think, she's a very different character from the other work I've done, for example, like Maharani or something. I feel like I'm so blessed as an artist that I get to create such diversity, such diversity on my side," she told us.

Huma Qureshi made her debut with Anurag Kashyap's critically acclaimed two-part crime drama Gangs of Wasseypur—Part 1 in 2012. Huma played the role of the supportive wife of a criminal, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

The film premiered at the 65th Cannes Film Festival, and both the film and Huma Qureshi received positive reviews from critics.

Debut with Gangs Of Wasseypur 

Huma also spoke about her journey in the industry, from her debut in 'Gangs of Wasseypur' to her recent success with hit OTT show 'Maharani', where she played the role of a Chief Minister.

When asked if she is skeptical about working on OTT, Huma said she was probably the first few actors to work on the platform, and she was sure that it was going to go a long way.

"I was the first actor who had a show around her on OTT. I was the first actor in this country, you know, a female actor, on a show called Leila that I've done. So, as opposed to the other who are now playing a catch-up game, I think I was the one who actually, if you know what I mean. I felt at that time that this is something that is definitely going to impact us. Not just in terms of, like, storytelling or consumption, but also, like, in terms of, you know, our market reality. I was the first one, and I think I've always seen the potential in feeling, globally," said Huma.

OTT platforms are here to stay 

Huma said some of the movies and shows that she is working on right now—some are meant for OTT and some deserve a theatrical release.

"Now with the advent in the last few years, which is COVID and changing the whole landscape, and all of that, like, our consumption during habit of change and seeing, is really, really taken off. And today, actually, for a lot of people, it may be a preferred region, but it definitely is a very, very strong player, you know, that is emerging in the market. And I feel like there are certain films that I'm doing right now that are meant for the big screen and that deserve that kind of theatrical viewing experience. And then there's certain similar shows that I'm doing, which are meant for a more intimate viewing, that are meant for a more nuanced watching. I think there's space for both. I think it's up to the creators and the makers to decide," she added.

Huma also acknowledged the impact of 'Maharani' on her career and the shift in the types of roles she's now being offered.

"100%, the approach has changed. 100% of the offering has changed, and I'm only enjoying this. I say this without sounding boastful. And, generally, I do believe that right now, I'm one of the biggest actors that are around. I'm doing series. I'm doing OTT films, I'm doing theatrical films, and, for the last year, I've just been shooting back to back, and I think now you'll see all of them now, releasing one by one," she added.

Huma played the role of Rani Bharti in the hit web series 'Maharani', which was received very well by critics and fans alike. Huma also received the Filmfare OTT award for the role.

Huma praises Avantika 

Huma praised her co-star Avantika Dassani and shared her enthusiasm for playing complex characters. Avantika plays the role of Rhea in the show Mithya.

"Avantika is very hardworking. She's very, like, consistent. She always wanted to do her best. It's really something we'd like to work with, actually. She's a wonderful girl. I'm very fond of her," said Huma.

Regarding social media, Huma emphasized the importance of authenticity and connecting with fans. Huma said she believes that social media can be a powerful tool for actors but also stressed the fact that it's not the only measure of talent.

"To each its own, if you don't want to do it, don't do it. I think anybody who does social media and the pressure to name would be relevant to not have a practice of career. If you don't want to do it, don't do it. If it doesn't speak to you, it doesn't come to you authentically, rather not be on social media. But for some people, it comes in, actually. Sometimes, I feel social media tells the perception of who you are and what you can do. That's the reality," she said.

Huma also spoke about her make-up artist, with whom she has worked for many years but who isn't on social media. She said he doesn't make reels and is not social media savvy, so that doesn't "mean that the skills that he has to offer are not good enough. In fact, I think he's far more talented than a lot of people who are bigger names on social media. But I see when you live in such a culture where unless and until you're not making reels, videos, selling yourself out there, promoting yourself, people don't think that you have the talent."

Huma said she enjoys being on social media, which helps her stay connected with her fans and the rest of the world. "I'm an actor; I enjoy being on social media because I enjoy it. I enjoy putting on good music and glamorous pictures. I experiment with it. I like to interact with my fans. I like to know and see what's going on within the film business, with my friends, or with your passion. You know, whatever. I mean, it's it's for me; it's about that. It's about connectivity. For me, it's not so much about what people think about you. You know, like, by the front lot of people, social media is also, like, this massive engine of validation of some sort. But how was it? I feel like that is when you start relying so much on that validation, then even not and even one negativity will really throw you off the ring. So, again, it's it's it's an application. It's a medium of how good that is really in your hand, in your control. That's what I see," she added.

When asked about the representation of women in Indian cinema, Huma noted the progress made in nuanced representation but emphasized that there's still much work to be done.

She also highlighted the importance of women being portrayed as heroes and not just accessories to male characters.

"I would just say that over the years, certain more nuanced representation you have started. Earlier, it was about people just using the woman character in a film as an accessory—hero ki maa, hero ki behen. Very very boxed kinds of characters were given to women. Now I feel like it's not about that. It's also about the fact that you could be the hero of the film. That has got nothing to do with your gender, and that I feel and today is a very healthy side of things," she concluded.

Talking about Huma, she has given many hard-hitting performances in the past, including Ek Thi Daayan, D-Day, Dedh Ishqiya, and Badlapur, to name a few.

Huma is now gearing up for the release of thriller Mithay: The Darker Chapter, which is going to stream on Zee 5 from November 1.