Feminism is not about being aggressive: Huma Qureshi

FEMINISM IS COOL, Huma Qureshi's sentiments over a 30-minute conversation told us. It is a notion with which, of course, we agree. It could be seen as a depressing state of affairs that such an obvious assumption: both genders should enjoy equality, requires addressing in this day and age. That a high-profile actor such as Huma still feels the need to promote the idea through the press, sad as it may be, happens to be the case and attending the Stardust Achievers Awards in Dubai on Thursday provided the Bollywood star with a good platform upon which to espouse her insightful views.
The Stardust Achievers Awards took place at the St. Regis Hotel Dubai in aid of the Hothur Foundation's support of acid attack survivors. The ceremony is an endeavor to recognise, acknowledge and celebrate the success stories of global Indian achievers in varied fields including, business, media, films, fashion, arts, television and politics. Spearheaded by actor Sonu Sood, Huma was attending to collect the Breakthrough Performer of the Year, having enjoyed a very good 12 months with Gurinder Chadha's Viceroy's House and Jolly LL.B 2.

Do you think it's a celebrity's duty to take up a cause?
I think it's any human being's duty. We live in such a messed-up world, every day you read something that disturbs you. I feel if there's anything we can do to help the pain and angst and unhappiness that's around us, it's only right. I may have a little more of a voice or reach, but everybody should do their own bit. It would make our world a little less painful, a little less grey.

How did you get involved with this one?
It's the brainchild of Sonu Sood who has always been pushing for this cause. When he told me what he was going to do I made myself completely available. It's so noble. Whatever I can do in my capacity, I love to help out. It is something very close to my heart. All these brave women, who have such inspiring stories, are real heroes. It's our small way to honour them and their success stories. It's a celebratory environment. It's a forum for sharing, bonding and empowering women.

Do you think enough is being done the world over to encourage female empowerment?
The good thing is people are talking about it. Feminism is no longer a bad word. It's early days but every small contribution is worth cherishing. Even when it was not such a cool thing to be part of I was always a feminist. I think all of us should be feminists. Feminism is not about being aggressive. It's just about giving everyone equal opportunities. We have been made equal as human beings and it's our duty to be the best versions of ourselves.
 
Is enough being done to address the issue in Bollywood?
There is a long way to go. I believe in equal pay for equal work. I believe if you can bring in the money and the numbers then you deserve a bigger pay packet - if you're a man or woman. Films and our stories are changing. The audience is changing. However, films are still a reflection of our society. That means they can't change overnight, just as our society cannot. There is more conversation and more variety of films. There is more of a conscientious effort to get more women both in front and behind the camera.  But traditional stories will be there for a while.

What specific element in show business would you alter tomorrow to affect change?
The more women you have in the workspace, the more other women will feel more comfortable working there and see it as a viable industry to enter. So I want to see more female directors and crew. The more women there are, the more men will feel they can't be disrespectful or exploitative just because they are greater in numbers.

Do you think governments do enough to combat sexism?
The female embryo is supposed to be stronger than the male embryo. Yet we have a world where there are more men than women. Unfortunately practices such as female infanticide have caused this. I come from India and in the Asian community, I know, the need to have a male child is very important. There are so many young kids who grow up without the basic amenities: food, water, education, health care and sanitation. Statistically younger boys get the bigger share of the pie because of the gender bias. Governments are trying, but there is much more that needs to be done

Would you do a film to put across your views?
I'd love to but it can't be preachy. It has to be entertaining. They have a greater impact on society. Recently I saw Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, which addresses a lot of issues involving male fertility. It made you laugh and it made you think. This is the way to touch people and created a conversation about men discussing this issue.

Do you use social media to get your point of view across?
It's the future. There are a lot of senior actors who shun it. They think it's intrusive. It's a new way to connect to people. We can't ignore it. Gone are the days of mysteries around actors. People want to know what's going on. You just need a good WiFi connection.

What are you filming next?
I just came here from Chennai. I'm in the middle of shooting for a Tamil film called Kaala with Rajinikanth.

So you're looking to embrace every movie industry?
That's my destiny. I think I was always supposed to do an English, Tamil and Hindi film in one year. Acting is not about language, it's about connection and communication. This year has been very special. I've been grateful for all the love. Viceroy's House was my first English film. It took the India-Pakistan story to the world and now I'm doing a Tamil film. Every day is a new experience for me. I just have to bring my A-game every time.
What Huma gets up to in Dubai
I have to shop and eat Arabic food. I love it. Dubai is such an entertaining place. I have a few friends here so I hang out with them. I work here a bit too. I do a few magazine shoots. I enjoy all of it. I can't deny I love the fact I'm on the cover of a magazine.
david@khaleejtimes.com