While Bollywood is gradually returning to the sets amid the new normal, many films that were slated for a theatrical release have turned towards digital platforms. For six months now, theatres have been shut, leading to massive losses for the industry. Filmmakers and actors, along with theatre owners, have been speaking up about the need to open the doors of theatres for the audience once again.

Huma S Qureshi, who is currently shooting for her film Bellbottom in the UK, says, “For the first time in the history of cinema, theatres around the globe were not operational. The world has faced several crises in the past, too, but theatres have always been open. However, the Coronavirus pandemic has hit the global film business so badly. I hope that we soon get to see the films that are meant for the big screen in theatres.”

The actress doesn’t feel that watching a film on a digital platform can replace the theatrical experience. She explains, “Yes, many films that were supposed to release in cinemas have turned towards OTT platforms. I think it’s a phase. We all love the big screen experience. I have done films for both mediums, and I think that they are here to stay. Both these mediums are extremely important means of entertainment for the audience, toh mujhe yeh darr nahin hai ke one is going to eat into the share of the other. Going forward, they will co-exist and provide great entertainment and content to the audience.”

Huma, who made her Bollywood debut with Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), doesn’t let the medium dictate her career choices. “The script is always the most important factor for me,” she says, adding, “I prefer doing lesser work, but I choose roles that make me happy and resonate with me. That has been my yardstick when it comes to picking any project. I don’t choose my projects based on the medium.”