Actress Huma Qureshi made her literary debut with the unveiling of her novel, Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, at the Jaipur Literature Festival on February 2. In discussing her writing journey, Huma shared that the narrative was originally intended to be a film, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forced a reevaluation of those plans. She began writing the book in 2019 and, after drafting the initial pages, received positive feedback from a select group of individuals. However, the pandemic led to a halt in her original vision for a film or television adaptation. As she contemplated the project further, she considered transforming it into a graphic novel or screenplay but ultimately decided to pen it herself after realizing that others believed only she could bring her vision to life. The writing process spanned approximately two years, during which she felt she could express herself authentically.
Huma, recognized for her role in Gangs of Wasseypur, described the act of writing as a “cathartic” experience and advocated for it as a means of alleviating anxiety. She emphasized the therapeutic nature of writing, suggesting that it serves as an effective outlet for those grappling with anxious thoughts. Reflecting on her decade-long career in Bollywood, Huma acknowledged that her experiences in the film industry significantly influenced her writing. She articulated that both success and failure are pivotal in an artist’s journey, noting that while success offers limited lessons, failure provides profound insights. Her personal growth, witnessed by the public through her career’s ups and downs, has informed the themes of her book. Additionally, Huma disclosed her intentions to adapt the novel into a film, further expanding her creative endeavors beyond acting.
