Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi has revealed that a casting director urged her to take on younger roles, following her critically acclaimed performances in Maharani and Tarla. The actress, known for her versatile portrayals, dismissed the suggestion, questioning why women in the industry are expected to look younger to secure roles.
Huma Qureshi’s Stand Against Ageism
Speaking at the India Today Indo-UAE Conclave, Qureshi shared that after the success of her recent projects, she received a phone call from a casting director, who told her, “You are such a beautiful woman. Why are you ageing yourself by playing these characters? Try to do younger parts.”
In response, Qureshi challenged the industry’s beauty standards, stating, “Why does this burden of playing younger parts always fall on girls? Why are we expected to try to look younger than who we are?” She emphasized that she would not reject a great script simply because it required her to portray an older character.
Rejecting Cosmetic Surgery for Career Growth
Qureshi also addressed the pressure to undergo cosmetic procedures, stating that she refuses to alter her appearance just to fit industry expectations. “Either I can do multiple cosmetic surgeries and sit at home waiting for certain filmmakers to call me, or I can work with those who are making interesting scripts and want to collaborate with me,” she asserted.
Upcoming Projects
Despite industry biases, Qureshi continues to thrive, with upcoming roles in Jolly LLB 3, alongside Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, and the fourth season of Maharani, where she reprises her role as Rani Bharati.
Conclusion
Qureshi’s remarks highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women in Bollywood, as they navigate ageism and unrealistic beauty standards. Her stance reinforces the importance of talent over appearance, setting a precedent for future generations of actresses.
