Actress Huma Qureshi sees the third instalment of her OTT series "Maharani" as a pivotal moment in her acting career. The show, which positioned Qureshi at its epicentre, has allowed her to leverage a significant salary and catalysed a shift in how audiences perceive her.
Having debuted in the critically acclaimed "Gangs of Wasseypur" in 2012 and appeared in notable films like "D-Day", "Dedh Ishqiya", and "Badlapur", Qureshi remarks on the impact of her lead role in "Maharani". "Today, because I'm doing 'Maharani' and the show is mounted around my character, I am able to command a certain fee. It's been advantageous for all involved. It's changed how people view me... I can assert that 'Maharani' marked a new chapter for me," she shared with PTI.
"Maharani" initially introduced viewers to Qureshi's character, Rani Bharti, an uneducated woman thrust into the role of Bihar's chief minister by her injured politician husband, Bheema Bharti, portrayed by Sohum Shah. The second season, directed by Ravindra Gautam, escalated the drama with Rani battling her husband's attempts to reclaim power and facing a formidable political adversary in Amit Sial's character, Navin Kumar.
The forthcoming season, helmed by Saurabh Bhave, promises to escalate tensions as Rani confronts new adversities following her husband's death, with Subhash Kapoor and Nandan Singh returning as the creative forces behind the series.
Qureshi, at 37, anticipates that the new season will surpass its predecessors in scale and intensity, hinting at an expansive future for the narrative.
"The series holds vast potential. Our nation is fixated on politics; there's much to explore. We've only begun to delve into the story. Whether we end with seven or even eleven seasons, or if this is our last, I'm deeply thankful for the adoration we've received," she expressed.
Reflecting on her repertoire, Qureshi considers Rani Bharti a standout role, "If you land five iconic roles as an actor, you're a legend. With Rani Bharti, I've achieved one; four more to go," she stated, acknowledging her work in women-centric projects like "Tarla" and "Double XL".
She emphasised the need for equal opportunities in the industry, noting the disparities in budget and opportunities for female-led action films compared to their male counterparts.
Amit Sial, a seasoned actor with more than a decade in the industry and roles in productions like “Love Sex and Dhoka”, “Titli”, “Sonchiriya”, “Charlie kay Chakkar Mein” and “Jamtara – Sabka Number Ayega”, has welcomed the accolades for his performance in "Maharani".
"The series has refined my acting and given me confidence in my career trajectory, augmented by growing audience appreciation," he commented, adding a note of caution, "In this industry, success is transient. Honesty in my craft has been my anchor, and as long as that remains, I believe I'll be fine."
Featuring a talented ensemble cast including Vineet Kumar, Kani Kusruti, Anuja Sathe, and Dibyendu Bhattacharya, "Maharani 3" is set to premiere on March 8 on SonyLiv.
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