Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Huma Qureshi on the importance of mental health

Huma Qureshi on the importance of mental health

By: Mohnish Singh

Living life under the constant glare of media and paparazzi is not easy for celebrities. But not many would complain as they know how things have changed ever since social media became an integral part of our lives.


Actress Huma Qureshi, however, is not in favour of this culture as she feels it affects one’s mental health. “I came here to be an actor, not get photographed outside the airport,” says the actress, confessing that seeing pictures of herself in the papers every day was not doing any good for her mental health.

“Sometimes, as women, we are very harsh on ourselves. The media can be harsh, but I feel more than the media, we can be very harsh on ourselves. For me, a very important realisation (last year) was to just be kinder to yourself and not indulge in negative self-talk,” she adds.

The actress says that 2020 gave her time to reboot. “It was a reboot in many ways — mentally, physically, in every which way. Now, I almost feel like I am starting afresh, and don’t want to make the mistakes that I made before. I feel we can approach 2021 with more gratitude, hard work, and just being kinder and nicer to each other,” she states.

Before signing off, she adds, “I realised that seeing my picture every day in the paper, outside the airport, gym or outside here or there is not good for my own mental health. Somebody will take a bad picture in a bad angle and then move on, but I will just keep looking at myself.”

On the work front, Huma Qureshi will next be seen in Akshay Kumar’s Bell Bottom. The film also features Lara Dutta and Vaani Kapoor in important roles. The actress is also waiting for the premiere of her streaming show Maharani, directed by Subhash Kapoor. The series is set to premiere on SonyLIV.

More For You

Alia Bhatt Alpha

Alia Bhatt at the Red Sea Film Festival where she spoke about the scale of Alpha

Getty Images

Alia Bhatt says 'Alpha' is a risky leap as she challenges the male-dominated YRF spy universe

Highlights:

  • Alia Bhatt shared fresh details on Alpha, the first female-led YRF spy film
  • The actor spoke at the Red Sea Film Festival, calling the project a calculated risk
  • Alpha headlines the YRF Spy Universe’s 2026 slate with Sharvari and Bobby Deol
  • The studio is expanding its global work, including a major UK deal
  • YRF confirmed the 17 April 2026 release after shifting from its earlier date

Alia Bhatt pushed Alpha forward at the Red Sea Film Festival in Jeddah. She spoke about the film and said the shoot has been tough and the action load heavier than anything she has done recently. Bhatt also pointed out that the team is entering a space usually driven by male-led spy films, so they are aware of what they are taking on. The Yash Raj Films project is shaping into one of Bollywood’s most closely watched titles for 2026.

Alia Bhatt Alpha Alia Bhatt at the Red Sea Film Festival where she spoke about the scale of Alpha Getty Images

Keep ReadingShow less