The actress, who is in London to shoot for her upcoming film, is all set to navigate the new normal on film sets
Harshada Rege (BOMBAY TIMES; August 20, 2020)

The film industry is gradually getting back to work and learning to live with the new normal on a film set, amid the Coronavirus pandemic, which includes fewer crew members, frequent sanitisation and use of PPE kits. The cast and crew of Bellbottom, including Akshay Kumar, Huma Qureshi and Lara Dutta, recently took off to the United Kingdom for the first schedule of the film.

Talking to BT about resuming work, Huma said, “I am excited to go back on the sets. The past few months have been very hard for all of us, and this pandemic has hit us globally. But we have to move forward, and we have to find new ways to work. We have to navigate this new normal with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Of course, there is a bit of nervousness, but I think everybody on the set is taking maximum precaution to ensure that everyone is taken care of. Safety and health are of utmost importance in a situation like this. We are very excited and grateful that we are getting back to work. It is going to make us to value and cherish what we do even more.”

Huma, who brought in her birthday on July 28, said the celebration this year was simple, yet special. “This was a very special birthday because everybody reached out, called and messaged. Time like this makes you value human connection, your friends and family so much more.” While the country has been unlocking in phases, the actress admits that she was anxious about her parents, who stay in Delhi. “Yes, I have been anxious and nervous. The past few months have been hard, and there has been a lot of stress that everyone has had to face. I, of course, was concerned about my parents’ health, especially my dad, as he has diabetes, so he has to be extra careful and cautious. It was a situation that was not in our control. This time away from loved ones was not easy at all.”

Talking about what kept her busy before she started packing to take off to the UK, Huma says, “I have been reading, watching a lot of stuff and writing. In fact, I have taken to writing in a big way. Besides that, the other thing that I did in the last few months is cleaning. I am an obsessive person, so when I was home, I was cleaning every cupboard and organising everything. I am glad that I did all that, because organising is often the least of your priorities when you are running around.”

Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; April 4, 2020)

The 21-day lockdown has hit daily life hard, and actor Huma S Qureshi, too, is cooped up inside her house, with work stalled for a while. But she is looking at the brighter side of things and has a plan for the stay-at-home situation.

“It’s a hard time, and I pray for everyone who is fighting Coronavirus at the front lines. Sitting at home is awfully tough, but not as tough as what many others are doing... As an actor, I feel I’ve got so much love from people, and if I can spread a message or make someone smile through a post, then that’s what I’ll continue to do,” says Qureshi.

The 33-year-old has since been sharing one thing that she does each of these days, which includes cooking and banter with fans. “I start my day with meditation and try something new everyday, whether it is a new recipe or learning how to play a flute,” she adds.

She admits that initially, like many others, she, too, was confused about the lockdown. “I was like ‘What are we going to do?’ Of course, I realise that the authorities have taken the right decision. We must cooperate and try to see a positive side to it. That’s how the idea of sharing what I do each day came to me,” the actor says. She and her brother, actor Saqib Saleem, are in Mumbai, while their parents are in Delhi. “We’re worried for them. But this is not just about my family but everyone’s families.”

Deepali Singh (DNA; July 28, 2019)

After a successful foray into the web space with Leila, Huma Qureshi has been filming in the US for Zack Snyder’s digital film, Army Of The Dead. But since she is shooting there for the zombie heist action-drama, the Badlapur actress was unable to be with her family for her birthday today. And celebrations are a big deal for her, she reveals. Huma tells us what plans she has in mind as she turns a year older…

You’re going to celebrate your birthday in the US this time...
Yes, I’ll be on set and away from family. This has never happened before. My folks always make it a point that all of us are together for birthdays and other special days. Of course, I’ll miss them, but Saqib (Saleem, brother) is in the UK shooting for ’83, so he’s committed there. My parents plan to visit me, but that will be in August. It’s going to be difficult. I’ll miss them a lot, but I am happy that I have a working birthday.

Since you will be filming that day, any plans with your new co-stars?
Yeah. It’s a Sunday but I will be shooting. I don’t know what to expect, but I am sure we’ll do something. There are no specific plans as such.

How do you usually celebrate birthdays? Is it a big deal for you?
Well, of course, it’s a big deal for me. I always like to be around my family, friends and special ones. We usually have a get-together or a party. I like to meet those I’ve worked with throughout the year and people I’ve spent the most amoung of time with. I love receiving messages, gifts and flowers.  It feels special. Birthdays are always surrounded by good wishes and well-wishers.

How’s it going for you there? Are you homesick already?
Right now, I am filming in Albuquerque. Surprisingly, I am not homesick. I am super-excited to give it my best shot and to make everybody back home proud. Although it’s very hot here, I am just putting my head down and working really hard.