What Are Huma Qureshi's Dreams of Bold 70s Cinema with Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil?
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Synopsis
Huma Qureshi shares her dreams of acting in the bold 70s Bollywood alongside legends Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. She reflects on her enriching experience at TIFF with her film ‘Bayaan’ and the universal struggles of independent cinema, making it a captivating tale of passion and pride.
Key Takeaways
- Huma Qureshi dreams of collaborating with Bollywood legends from the 1970s.
- Her film “Bayaan” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
- She serves as both actor and executive producer, enriching her creative journey.
- Independent cinema faces universal challenges in funding and audience reach.
- Classics like “Sholay” continue to resonate worldwide.
Mumbai Sep 29 (NationPress) Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi, recognized for her remarkable talent and daring performances, revealed that had she lived in the 1970s Bollywood scene, she would have cherished the opportunity to collaborate with Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Huma expressed, “The 70s was an audacious decade. It was a time of innovation, political discourse, and fashion-forwardness. I would have loved to star in a classic of parallel cinema alongside Shabana Azmi or Smita Patil and also take part in a glamorous masala film within the same year. That kind of versatility truly captivates me.”
Huma also reflected on her experiences at the Toronto International Film Festival this year, where her film “Bayaan” made its debut.
She shared, “Experiencing my film with a full house of international viewers was a moment that really resonated with me. Feeling their real-time reactions was surreal.”
Discussing her role as a producer on “Bayaan”, Huma mentioned that the journey was incredibly fulfilling. “This film holds a special place in my heart because I was not only acting but also serving as an executive producer, meaning every decision from script to screen came with greater accountability. Witnessing “Bayaan” transition from TIFF to BIF and seeing audiences connect with it as we envisioned was profoundly moving,” she added.
When asked about the differences in international screenings versus those at home, she noted, “At home, audiences have preconceived notions about you—they arrive with certain expectations. Globally, you find yourself almost reintroducing who you are. While there’s a bit of pressure, it’s mostly about pride because you’re representing your culture and cinema.”
Huma also reminisced about connecting with Latin American filmmakers at TIFF, realizing that the challenges of independent cinema, such as securing funding and finding audiences, are universally shared. She even attended the premiere of Sholay, describing it as a surreal experience to see a classic resonate with an international audience.
“The characters, dialogues, and emotions transcend generations and borders. That’s the enchantment of cinema,” Huma concluded.
–IANS
Point of View
While her experiences in contemporary cinema illustrate the ongoing evolution of film as a medium of cultural representation.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Huma Qureshi say about the 1970s Bollywood?
Huma Qureshi expressed her admiration for the bold and experimental nature of the 1970s Bollywood era, stating she would have loved to work with Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil.
How was Huma's experience at the Toronto International Film Festival?
Huma found her experience at TIFF profound and exhilarating, particularly watching her film 'Bayaan' with an international audience.
What role did Huma play in 'Bayaan'?
Huma served both as an actor and an executive producer for the film 'Bayaan', which made the experience deeply personal and fulfilling for her.
What challenges did Huma identify in independent cinema?
During TIFF, Huma noted that independent filmmakers worldwide share common struggles such as securing funding and reaching audiences.
What did Huma think about the screening of 'Sholay' at TIFF?
Huma described the premiere of 'Sholay' as surreal, appreciating how the classic resonates with audiences across different cultures.
