Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi, who has built a reputation for choosing powerful, performance-driven roles, has opened up about her early career struggles and the surprising reality of her first big project. In a recent interview, Huma revealed that she earned only ₹65,000 for her role in the iconic cult film Gangs of Wasseypur.
While the film became a massive turning point not only for her career but also for Hindi cinema, Huma’s honesty about her starting salary has started conversations about what newcomers really face in Bollywood.
From a Advertisement Set to Anurag Kashyap’s Casting Room
Interestingly, Huma’s journey into the Gangs of Wasseypur universe didn’t begin with a formal audition. She first crossed paths with director Anurag Kashyap during a promotional advertisement shoot.
Huma recalled: “He looked at me and said, ‘I want to cast you in a film someday.’ I didn’t think much of it, because people say such things all the time. But a few months later, he called me.”
Their first real meeting was not the usual polished audition-room scene. Huma described it as a “bold, gutsy conversation”, where she spoke openly about the kind of roles she wanted to do and the kind of cinema she believed in.
That honest, fearless attitude struck a chord with Kashyap, and she landed the role of Mohsina, a character that would become one of the most memorable parts of her filmography.
“₹65,000 Was Not Just Salary… It Was My First Big Step”
When Huma revealed she was paid only ₹65,000 for the entire film, many fans were shocked.
But the actor clarified that for newcomers, the journey is less about money and more about visibility, credibility, and the chance to work with the right people.
She added:
“I didn’t even think about the pay at that time. I just wanted to be part of this film because I knew it was special. And today when I look back, that ₹65,000 was priceless.”
Her statement also sheds light on a crucial truth: Bollywood has always functioned as a place where newcomers often work for exposure first, and money follows later—if they make it.
The Reality Behind New Actor Payments in Bollywood
Huma’s revelation has re-opened a long-standing debate about how newcomers are treated in the industry:
- Many new actors work for extremely low pay
- Indie and experimental films often have tight budgets
- Actors usually accept roles based on opportunity rather than financial reward
- Long-term exposure can make up for short-term losses
In Huma’s case, that gamble paid off beautifully.
After Gangs of Wasseypur, she went on to do:
- Dedh Ishqiya
- Badlapur
- Jolly LLB 2
- Maharani (OTT success)
- Army of the Dead (Hollywood project with Netflix)
Her career graph proves one thing: talent eventually finds its place.
Why Gangs of Wasseypur Was a Turning Point
Released in two parts, the film is still regarded as one of the greatest crime dramas in Indian cinema. For Huma, it did far more than just launch her:
- It introduced her to serious filmmakers
- It positioned her as an actress capable of depth and intensity
- It won her immediate fan admiration
- It helped her avoid being typecast early on
Her character Mohsina became iconic, with her confident presence, signature aviators, and bold attitude.
“I Never Wanted To Be Just a Glamorous Face”
Huma shared that from day one she wanted to be recognized for her acting rather than just beauty or glamour.
Her early choice to work with Kashyap was a signal that she was aiming for meaningful roles, even if the money wasn’t great.
Today, she continues to be recognized as one of the most versatile actresses in the industry—balancing mainstream films, OTT shows, and now international projects.
Fans React to the Revelation
Social media exploded after her comments became public:
- Many praised her honesty
- Some were shocked at how little she received
- Others said it showed the harsh reality for new actors
- Many admirers noted how far she has come since then
The story resonated with young artists, proving that success often begins with humble beginnings.
Huma Qureshi’s journey is the perfect reminder that Bollywood is a long game.
You don’t always start with big money — sometimes you start with big opportunities, and that makes all the difference.
