Huma Qureshi: Perfecting the accent took immense effort

A still from the show

Though she was confident of the script's merit, Huma Qureshi says she had little idea that Maharani would go on to garner so much love from the audience. She is touched that her portrayal of Rani Bharti in the political drama has been praised, even winning her a spot in the Best Actor (Female): Series category of the mid-day and Radio City Hitlist OTT Awards. "I had enjoyed working with Subhashji [Kapoor, creator] on Jolly LLB 2 [2017]. When he offered me this show, I enjoyed reading the screenplay. As an actor, one is always hungry for good scripts and interesting character graphs. I don't think I've got so much love for any other character I've played," she says.

Many believe that her character, who is named the chief minister of Bihar after an assassination attempt renders her husband invalid, is inspired by Rabri Devi. But the actor insists the 10-part series is a work of fiction. Slipping into the role was initially tough for Qureshi. "I come from Delhi. So, to perfect the accent, nuances and speech took immense effort. When people say that I spoke authentically like someone from Bihar, it's the biggest compliment."

The actor is currently filming the second season of the political drama in Jammu. Promising big surprises in the upcoming edition, she says, "The first season saw Rani Bharti's entry into politics. The second season is about consolidating her position in the face of opposition, new challenges and realities."

Did you know
Huma Qureshi and Pramod Pathak, who played Mishraji in the 10-part series, were seen in Gangs of Wasseypur

Cast your vote for the Hitlist OTT Awards

Huma Qureshi has been nominated in the Best Actor (Female): Series category for Maharani. The other nominees are:
>> Mithila Palkar (Little Things S04)
>> Pooja Bhatt (Bombay Begums)
>> Ridhi Dogra (The Married Woman)
>> Samantha (The Family Man S02)
>> Surveen Chawla (Decoupled)
>> Sushmita Sen (Aarya S02)
>> Zoya Hussain (Grahan)

Log on to www.radiocity.in/hitlistawards to cast your vote.
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Voting lines close on March 18.