Critically acclaimed Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi was at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024) on Sunday, to give her fans a peek into her debut novel Zeba that tells the story of a female superhero in her 30s who is flawed, confused and directionless, and yet capable of doing heroic things. During a candid conversation with Gulf News Entertainment Editor Manjusha Radhakrishnan, she also shared insights on her creative journey, her approach to feminism, and her vision for the future of storytelling.

A refreshing take on the superhero trope

With Zeba, Huma steps away from traditional superhero narratives to present a protagonist who is deeply flawed yet determined. She is exhausted by the world-saving business, and embodies both strength and vulnerability. “I love the idea of imperfect people doing heroic things,” Huma explained to the audience. “Male characters often get the space to be flawed, but for women, it’s less common. Either they’re put on a pedestal, or they’re cast as the villain or the victim. I wanted Zeba to be real—someone confident yet confused, just like many of us.”

“I thought people in their 30s had everything figured out. But as you grow older, you realise life is a work-in-progress irrespective of age,” she shared. Zeba stands out because of her authenticity; she is far from perfect, yet she is resilient,” the young actress who shot to fame through versatile performances in Gangs of Waaseypur, Monica, O My Darling, Maharani, and Dedh Ishqiya, said.

Navigating the creative struggle

When asked by an audience member about the creative struggle she faces as an actress versus a writer, Huma shared a refreshing perspective on creativity. “They’re both very different, and they’re both very real. Sometimes, you just have to get out of the way of creativity and let it happen to you,” she explained. “It’s like when a flower blooms. You can’t force it; it will bloom when the time is right.”

This organic approach to creativity has helped Huma transition fluidly between acting and writing. “During Covid, I had all this time, and I wondered, should I write this as a script? But that felt expected, so I thought I’d write a book instead,” she revealed.

Feminism through freedom of choice

Addressing an audience question about feminism, Huma defined her perspective as freedom of choice. “True feminism or true humanism is about freedom of choice. The choice could be anything—being an actress, an author, a mother, or flying planes. It’s about living life authentically without following someone else’s definition of boldness.” This philosophy also shapes her choices as an artist. Rather than confining herself to one genre or typecast role, Huma has taken on diverse roles – from a Bihari politician in Maharani to a plus-sized woman in Double XL.

“I don’t want to be put in a box. I’m always asking, ‘Is this something I’d like to put out into the world?’” For Huma, living authentically means walking her own path and breaking free from others’ expectations.

Embracing vulnerability and the immigrant experience

While Zeba touches on universal themes, it also delves into the immigrant experience, adding further depth to the character’s journey. Although Zeba lives in New York, she remains deeply connected to her cultural roots, mirroring the diverse experiences of many readers. For Huma, identity is complex and layered. “Is home where your parents come from, or is it the life you build?” she questioned. This theme resonates with her personal journey from Delhi to Bollywood, navigating different cultural spaces.

Mental health is another theme woven into the narrative, with Huma openly portraying Zeba’s mental struggles. With her debut work, Huma has demonstrated her talent for storytelling, and her ambitions go far beyond this debut. Although she remains passionate about acting, she hinted at future projects, including the possibility of adapting Zeba for the screen. “I’d love for Zeba to be a series or film someday. I’m manifesting it already,” she laughed, hinting at the possibility of bringing her superhero to life in yet another format.