The 27-year-old actress is not scared of comparisons with biggies like Madhuri Dixit and Naseeruddin Shah in ‘Dedh Ishqiya’
Huma Qureshi will play Arshad Warsi’s love interest in Abhishek Chaubey directed sequel to 2010 ‘Ishqiya’ titled ‘Dedh Ishqiya’. The film will see Naseeruddin Shah and Arshad reprising their roles of Khalujaan and Babban from the original film. Not being intimidated by the senior cast, the young actress believes in being herself.
What is your character in ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ ?
My character’s name in ‘Dedh Ishqiya’ is Munira Aslam, i.e Muniya. I am happy to have got films like ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Luv Shuv tey Chicken Khurrana’, ‘Ek Thi Daayan’ and ‘D-Day’. Not belonging to the Bollywood arena and having all these films fall in my lap has given me an opportunity to work with biggies like Madhuri Dixit, Naseeruddin Shah and all in ‘Dedh Ishqiya’.
What was your reaction when director Abhishek Chaubey offered you this role and what about the title of the film?
I felt the film will be intriguing simply because the title does not have any numbers like 2 or 3. Instantly he has reduced the number stating ‘Dedh’. I felt working in this film will not only be interesting but bring in a lot of knowledge in me. Also, I felt it is going to be a mad cap comedy. And I was so true to my thought process. No sooner did we start reading together, all the actors would burst into fits of laughter.
Working with big stars did you feel you were really like the Muniya?
This Muniya does a lot many things and also nothing! Madhuri Dixit is the ‘begum’ (queen) of a fort named Mehmudabad. Muniya follows her like her shadow everywhere.Khalujaan (Naseeruddin) and Babban Miya reach there, both are free spirited playboys. She falls in love with both of them.
Is this also a triangle love story?
No, Khalujaan and Babban have a clear vision. Khallujaan falls for the ‘begum’ (queen) while Babban falls for Muniya. However, ‘begum sahiba’ and Muniya have a conflict- whether they really
should fall for these guys? Thus follow many interesting incidents, which the audiences surely will enjoy.
So, you must have enjoyed playing Muniya?
I enjoyed playing this character. I was used to the background, as I too am a Muslim in real. I liked that the sequences whether good or bad is being presented comically. No one will take it otherwise. However, I did not experience same incidents in real life. So, I enjoyed all the fun
and frolic, entertaining moments that I needed to put in as Muniya.
Your experience of working with senior actors?
I never felt tensed while going onto the sets. I never ever thought as to how will I match the prolific Urdu of Naseeruddin or the dance steps of Madhuri. Also, matching the energy levels of Arshad was never in my mind. I never felt insecure keeping in mind their performance. I always tried to give my best. How on earth could I ever try to compete with such stalwarts?
How was it shooting in Lucknow?
A major portion of the film is shot in Lucknow while partly it is shot in Karja, Mumbai. In Lucknow, I shopped a lot of lovely saris and Luckhnavi kurtas for my mom. Usually people talk about the Lakhnavi Kababs but I relished the chat, which surely is yummy.
Did you snatch the role from Richa Chaddha?
I have no catfight with any actor. It is all media created. Being a Muslim I was offered the role and accepted it. That’s all.
On your relationship status…
Until the day I am married, I remain single.
Lipika Varma
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