Actor Huma Qureshi, who recently made a powerful comeback with Maharani 4, opened up about her career, her production house, and the long-debated question about why she and her brother Saqib Saleem use different surnames. In an exclusive chat on mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist with Mayank Shekhar, Huma addressed the topic with her trademark humour and honesty.
Huma Qureshi reveals brother Saqib Saleem made his acting debut before her
Talking about her brother’s journey, Huma said, “Saqib was into modelling — of course, he had to copy me in everything I do. However, he is my senior in acting. He debuted with YRF before me in Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge (2011). Then I debuted in 2012 with Anurag Kashyap`s film.”
Huma also shed light on their shared creative pursuits. “Now, we are focusing on our production house, the Saleem siblings. We are first-generation producers trying to make content,” she shared. Their banner debuted with Double XL, followed by Single Salma, and they will soon release Baby Do Die Do.
Explaining Saqib’s decision to stay behind the camera for some projects, Huma revealed, “Saqib was not in Single Salma, and it was a choice. He made that choice. We are doing other films where he will be acting, and I shall be a more hands-on producer.”
She further added that her brother is now focused on creating opportunities for others. “He is trying to build an ecosystem in which he feels he wants to give those opportunities that he feels he didn’t get. He is in that mental space right now.”
Huma Qureshi reacts to the siblings with different surnames question
Finally addressing the long-standing curiosity around their surnames, Huma explained, “Huma Saleem Qureshi, Saqib Saleem Qureshi — these are our full names. Huma Saleem didn’t have a zing to it; I like the sound of Huma Qureshi. And Saqib always wanted to use our father’s name, Saleem, which is my dad’s name, so he uses that as his last name.”
With Maharani 4 earning her fresh acclaim and her production house taking shape, Huma continues to prove that her choices — whether in roles or surnames — are always driven by individuality and purpose.