Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi, known for her powerful performances in serious roles, is currently winning hearts for her dance number Dil Thaam Ke from the film Maalik, also starring Rajkummar Rao. In a recent interview with Bollywood Bubble, Huma addressed the long-standing criticism of item songs in Hindi cinema, offering a nuanced take on how such performances are often misinterpreted.
Huma explained that while some songs indeed carry the male gaze and objectify women, it is unfair to paint all item numbers with the same brush. “There are songs that clearly come from a male gaze, where the intention is objectification. As a woman, you sense that something is off,” she said. “But if a song celebrates the female form, her sensuality and glamour, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.”
The actor emphasized the difference between being objectified and owning one’s sensuality, asserting that women should have the freedom to express themselves without being subjected to judgment or assumptions.
Reflecting on her career, Huma shared that she has often been typecast into serious and intense roles, which initially limited her opportunities to explore other aspects of her craft, including dance performances. “I feel I’ve been boxed in Bollywood,” she said. “Just because I started out doing intense films doesn’t mean that’s all I can do. Why should someone else decide what I’m best suited for?”
Huma’s performance in Maalik marks a deliberate move to challenge those stereotypes and embrace roles that highlight her versatility as a performer. She is determined to define her own narrative in the industry, choosing projects that reflect her multifaceted talent.
Looking ahead, Huma will next be seen in Jolly LLB 3, the third installment in the popular legal drama franchise. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Amrita Rao, Saurabh Shukla, and Annu Kapoor. The film is slated for a theatrical release on September 19 and promises a gripping courtroom face-off between Akshay and Arshad.
With Dil Thaam Ke, Huma Qureshi has not only dazzled audiences with her moves but also reignited a conversation about agency, representation, and the evolving space for women in Bollywood.
