Huma Qureshi

Huma Qureshi, born Huma Saleem Qureshi on 28 July 1986 in New Delhi, India, is a versatile Indian actress whose career spans Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Malayalam and international productions. She began her artistic journey studying history at Gargi College, University of Delhi, while simultaneously performing with the Act 1 theatre group, where mentor N. K. Sharma refined her craft. After moving to Mumbai in 2008, she signed a two‑year contract with Hindustan Unilever, appearing in high‑profile commercials alongside Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, which caught the eye of filmmaker Anurag Kashyap. Kashyap offered her a three‑film deal, launching her film debut with a supporting role as Mohsina in the critically acclaimed Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), a performance that earned her a Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She continued to build a diverse portfolio with roles in the supernatural thriller Ek Thi Daayan, the black comedy Dedh Ishqiya, and the revenge drama Badlapur, each showcasing her ability to transition between intense drama and nuanced comedy. Qureshi’s willingness to explore regional cinema led her to the Marathi road drama Highway and the Tamil action drama Kaala opposite Rajinikanth, further cementing her pan‑Indian appeal. In recent years, she has embraced digital platforms, delivering a powerful lead performance in the Netflix dystopian series Leila and earning critical acclaim for the political drama Maharani, for which she received a Filmfare OTT Award. Her Hollywood debut arrived with Zack Snyder’s zombie heist film Army of the Dead (2021), expanding her international footprint. Beyond acting, Qureshi has contributed as a judge on reality shows and hosted lifestyle programs, demonstrating a multifaceted presence in the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her bold choice of roles, strong screen presence and commitment to diverse storytelling.