Huma Qureshi was on a Zoom meet a couple of week’s ago ahead of the launch of Zee Zest’s new show, Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi. The first thing we noticed was a large hibiscus adorning her hair followed by her cheery lipstick and warm laughter. There is something very real about the Gangs of Wasseypur actress who is now ready to share a slice of her life on Zee Zest, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited’s first lifestyle channel. She took some questions from t2 over email.
What are the first thoughts that come to mind when we say ‘fit’, ‘fab’ and ‘feast’?
I think the first thought that comes to my mind when we say fit, fab and feast is me! I am so excited about doing this show and for the fact that Zee Zest gave me this platform and opportunity to have my own show and I hope whenever you hear the words fit, fab and feast, you always think of me. I have had a blast working for this show and request everyone to watch it.
It would be lovely to get a glimpse of your life. Today we live in the day and age of social media where we are almost voyeurs. But there was a time when we’d do anything to get a sneak peek of our favourite celebrity’s life. Did you have anyone whose life you wanted to live?
Not really, I think I am really happy and excited about my life. You will even get a chance to witness how much I enjoy spending time with myself and my close people on Zee Zest’s Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi, and will know that I do not really desire to live somebody else’s life. I am very happy with my own company and always looking forward to an exciting day.
What was the most challenging part of opening up your life? And, what did you enjoy most?
Opening up about my life on Fit Fab Feast on Zee Zest was not a challenge, it was terrifying because you do not know what’s on the other side, how people are going to perceive you or how you will end up sounding but I think I took that fear out quite early. I have always believed that I live my heart out on my sleeves, so I always believed that with me, what you see is what you get. I thoroughly enjoyed myself on Zee Zest’s Fit Fab Feast, it was intimidating to begin with but after a point I got used to the fact that the cameras are always going to be rolling, every faux pas, every mistake, every fumble will be captured and relayed, so yes, this is me and this is what you will get!
How would you sum up your life in a sentence?
I would sum it up by saying, ongoing, onwards, upwards and constantly moving upward in life. As the show talks about me being fashionable, fit and my love for food, I want to add that one should live life with zest and no regrets, love yourself enough to be able to enjoy your company because you never know what comes your way!
Catch Fit Fab Feast with Huma Qureshi on Zee Zest at 9pm every Saturday-Sunday
Having been born and brought up in a simple middle-class family in Delhi, I always aspired to be an actor and was really blessed and fortunate that I got the opportunity to live my dream. So I feel I have so much to be grateful for and my heart is always full of gratitude and so I try and be myself only because I feel there could be a little Huma somewhere, sitting anywhere in this world, who wants to fulfil her dreams and believe the fact that if she could do it, so can I
Huma Qureshi
A lot of women can relate to your image of being someone like us. How do you keep it so real?
I guess it is the upbringing, having been born and brought up in a simple middle-class family in Delhi. I always aspired to be an actor and was really blessed and fortunate that I got the opportunity to live my dream. So I feel I have so much to be grateful for and my heart is always full of gratitude and so I try and be myself only because I feel there could be a little Huma somewhere, sitting anywhere in this world, who wants to fulfil her dreams and believe the fact that if she could do it, so can I.
Who were your icons growing up and even now?
People who are strong, who have an individual voice, have always been my icons throughout my life.
Huma Qureshi with brother Saqib Saleem
Did you take time to accept your flaws?
There are no flaws as such, I think everybody is unique and special in their own way and yes I took my own time and journey to accept that everybody’s journey is extremely different and special. So when someone says flaws, it is because you have an idea of what an unflawed being is, and we all are flawed and special in that sense. I think what took some time for me is to remove that comparison and yardstick from my head and I think once that happens, it is a beautiful feeling.
Who are the most important people in Huma Qureshi’s life?
Well some of them have been on Fit Fab Feast. You will spot my brother (actor Saqib Saleem), my family and friends who are extremely important to me and will witness my journey on the show, so tune in and keep watching.
What’s your mantra in life?
Try everything once, and give life your best shot as this is the one life you have, make most of it.