Actor Huma Qureshi recently impressed audiences with her energetic dance number “Dil Thaam Ke” in Rajkummar Rao’s film Maalik. In an interview, she strongly addressed two issues — how Bollywood often boxes her into serious roles and how people unfairly criticize item songs.
Huma Confronts Misogyny in Item Songs
Huma didn’t hold back when she spoke about the objectification of women in some songs. She said, “Kuch gaane hote bhi hain jo bahut male gaze waale gaane hote hain.”
She added, “Where you know there is objectification of women, and it’s being done for a purpose. And as a woman, you get that feeling ‘galat jagah aa gaye’ (‘I’ve ended up in the wrong place’).”
However, she made it clear that not all item numbers are offensive. She said, “But as far as you are talking about the song which is celebrating the female form, her sensuality and glamour, there’s nothing wrong with it.”
According to Huma, there’s a difference between objectification and celebration.
Huma Rejects Bollywood’s Labels
Huma challenged the way filmmakers limit her based on past roles. She said her earlier work in intense films made people think she could only act in serious parts. She disagreed with that assumption.
“I think why should people box me that you can only do intense film, you are only good or doing this,” she said. “I am like, who made this rule? Why should I adhere to your idea of what I am good for? I can do this also and that too, and choose when I want to do what.”
She Gears Up for Her Next Release
Now, Huma is preparing for her next project — Jolly LLB 3. Director Subhash Kapoor brings her back in a legal black comedy that continues the hit franchise.
The film features a heavyweight cast Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao, Saurabh Shukla and Annu Kapoor. In this installment, Akshay and Arshad will face off in a courtroom drama. The film is scheduled to release in theatres on September 19.