I have picked from the best films: Huma Qureshi

In a candid chat with HT, Huma Qureshi, hopes to broaden her horizons further. She also tells us about being on the Dimensions Jury at the Mumbai Film Festival.

Huma Qureshi, 28, is just five films old. But her repertoire boasts of risky, edgy options that aren’t often associated with relative newcomers in the industry.

Happy with the appreciation so far, the actor hopes to broaden her horizons further. She also tells us about being on the Dimensions Jury at the Mumbai Film Festival.

How was your experience of judging fresh talent?

I was probably the youngest, and only non-technical person, on the jury. It was an honour. More than the technique, I was looking for an original voice and narrative. Short films were a major part of the film culture when I was growing up in Delhi, so I was keen to watch these films.

Being a theatre girl, how was your transition to cinema?

It’s been seamless, but when I moved to Mumbai, I realised that the performance style in both forms is different. In theatre, you have to ensure that your voice, gestures and emotions reach even the person in the last row. Films are more subtle; you don’t have to be loud or over-the-top. They have a wide reach, which is important. On the other hand, theatre offers instant gratification.

Do you prefer commercial or art-house cinema?

I’m not a slave of genres.I have picked from the best films that I have been offered. For me, the bottom line is, ‘Will I pay money to watch this film? Will it excite me enough when I see a 30-second promo of it?’ I would hate to be repetitive. Whether indie or commercial, it has to excite me. To be able to transform and explore a new genre is exciting.