As she celebrates her 37th birthday on 28th July, Huma Qureshi stands up to ageism in the film industry, calling for a revolution in the perception of age, particularly concerning women artists. Huma challenges the norm of ageism, appealing to the industry’s insiders to look beyond the conventional “shelf life” of women and embrace a more comprehensive perspective on age.
Huma expresses her concern about how actresses are often faced with the brunt of ageism more than their male counterparts. She asserts, “Ageism is not just an issue; it’s a severe stereotype. It is, quite frankly, a highly sexist way to view women. After all, with every year, we mature as artists and individuals, evolving into better versions of ourselves. This evolution is the reality that the industry needs to appreciate.”
On the day of her birthday, Huma, recognized for her roles in productions like “Gangs Of Wasseypur,” “Monica O My Darling,” and “Double XL,” reflects on her personal growth. She reveals, “As I age, the most profound lesson I’ve learned is to be patient and have faith that life sometimes has grander plans for us than we can envision. It’s all about relaxing, seizing the day, and striving to do better.”
Huma continues to elaborate on how she’s changed over the years, saying, “I’ve changed and evolved constantly. My thoughts, ideas, and my very essence as a human being have transformed. I hope the changes have been for the better. I have striven to become more fearless as an actor, kinder, and more patient as a person.”
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, Huma mentions that she views her profession like a traditional nine-to-five job. She says, “It’s important to safeguard my personal time. I avoid working on special occasions like birthdays or New Year’s. These are the times when I take a break to relax, to be with my loved ones, and to pamper myself.”
After celebrating her birthday, Huma is excited to return to the set for the third season of “Maharani.” She says, “Three days post my birthday, I’ll be back to the hustle and bustle of ‘Maharani 3’. Returning to the familiar lanes of Bhopal where it all began will be a thrilling experience. With an array of twists, turns, and exceptional performances, ‘Maharani 3’ promises to be bigger and better than ever.”