Exclusive | Huma Qureshi at Cannes 2026: ‘I Know the Value I Can Bring to That Film and Project By Being in It’

From the 2012 cult-classic Gangs of Wasseypur to shows like Delhi Crime and Maharani, Huma Qureshi has earned herself a name and reputation that makes no one doubt her mastery as an actor and the types of roles and characters she is capable of portraying.

Time and time again, she has proven to audiences across the globe how beautifully complex leading female leads can be, should be perceived, and be played as no matter the story or narrative that surrounds them. Qureshi’s ability to do just this is undeniable. But it also comes with her willingness and genuine eagerness to play roles that she connects with the most and believes she can add value to. 

“I have done that in the past. I have done films where possibly they couldn't afford me,” says the actress, talking about how she likes to work on films with those who want to work with her and create something together. “Tomorrow if I want to go off to Kerala and work with a really amazing filmmaker because I like his work, I would do that and not even bat an eyelid,” she says further, adding that she stays unbothered by the finances of the film because she is confident in what she brings to the table. 

Qureshi reveals that coming from a non-film family did not grant her the flexibility or freedom to be selective in picking her roles. And this mentality is exactly what helps her take on roles completely independent of the pride and vain that can come with wanting to be identified a certain way. “A lot of actors come with the idea that this is my image. They get stuck and they become prisoners of that image,” she claims. 

“I hope I always maintain this, and I am always as crazy in my decisions,” she concludes.