Amidst the glitz and glamour of the film industry, the journey of Huma Qureshi stands out as a testament to resilience and empowerment. Stirring conversations around gender biases, Qureshi’s recent portrayal in the series ‘Maharani’ has sparked discussions about women’s roles in male-dominated spheres, reflecting her own experiences in Bollywood.
In ‘Maharani,’ Qureshi breathes life into the character of a homemaker suddenly thrust into the turbulent world of politics, becoming the chief minister against all odds. This part bears symbolic parallels to her own trajectory, battling and overcoming entrenched sexist attitudes within the entertainment sector. Sharing her personal reflections, Qureshi remembers the early challenges she faced, “I was told, ‘You can’t be an actress.’ My reaction was, ‘Why not? Now, I only want to be an actress.’ I have also been told, ‘Actresses shouldn’t sound like Miss Know-it-all.’”
These instances of prejudice only fueled her determination to challenge the status quo. Qureshi embodies the struggle for women’s rights, advocating for gender parity through her work and voice. Her approach to dismantling patriarchy involves proving detractors wrong by exemplifying success and competence in her field.
The film set of ‘Maharani’ provided Qureshi with a microcosm of societal change, as she observed two female members adeptly handling traditionally male-centric roles within the camera department. Her encouragement towards these women to persist despite the hurdles is reflective of her commitment to altering conventional gender narratives.
Qureshi extends her fight for equality beyond personal anecdotes, highlighting historical bias against women in positions of power. She brings to light the story of Noor Jahan, the Mughal queen known as the Empress of India, whose accomplishments were often overshadowed by slander due to her influential court presence.
The conversation with Qureshi then veers towards the pervasive nature of gender disparity, not confined to the celluloid world but resonating through centuries of history. She discusses the societal tendency to undermine women’s achievements and the consequent importance of challenging such biases through representation in media and arts.
Qureshi’s insights into the difficulties confronted by female actors in the industry provide a stark view of the systemic barriers women face. However, she remains optimistic, observing the positive changes and the increasing number of women breaking free from traditional roles to chase their aspirations.
Emphasizing the power of storytelling and media, Qureshi believes that the industry holds a responsibility in shaping societal perceptions and dismantling gender-based stereotypes. Whether it’s confronting biased questions from journalists or choosing roles that defy gender stereotypes, her strategy involves a proactive and persistent challenge to the patriarchal norms that have long governed the industry.
Her activism is not just about confronting prejudice within her profession; it’s a broader call to women everywhere to embrace their dreams irrespective of societal expectations. This message rings clear in her support for women’s initiatives and her powerful portrayals on screen, which seek to inspire and evoke change.
As Qureshi continues to break barriers with her roles and advocacy, her work in ‘Maharani’ encapsulates a larger narrative of female empowerment. Her journey isn’t just an individual triumph over industry sexism; it’s an inspiration for the multitude of women battling gender bias in various fields. Through her determination and defiance of traditional expectations, Qureshi’s story is one of courage and an ongoing fight for equality in the face of resistance. By highlighting these struggles and triumphs, both on and off-screen, Huma Qureshi stands as a beacon of hope for a more equitable future in the world of cinema and beyond.
