Bollywood actress creates a relatable superhero with her new book, blending humor, identity, and empowerment in the modern world.
Bollywood actress Huma Qureshi has always been known for her versatility on screen, with standout performances in films like Badlapur, Double XL, and the recent Monica O My Darling. However, her creative energy has found a new outlet, and it’s in the form of a superhero. This week, Qureshi introduced the world to her first-ever book, Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, during her visit to the Sharjah International Book Fair, where she spoke passionately about the creation of her quirky, sassy, and relatable superhero.
The launch of Zeba marks a significant shift for Qureshi, who has spent over a decade establishing herself as one of Bollywood’s most charismatic actresses. The superhero at the center of her book is no traditional caped crusader. Zeba is a complicated, spoiled, and often chaotic character — the kind of superhero who isn’t afraid to show her flaws. For Qureshi, Zeba is more than just a fictional creation; it’s a reflection of the contradictions inherent in modern life.
“I think all the characters in the book are me,” said Qureshi with a smile, adding that the structure of the book intrigued her. “Each chapter is in the first person, but it’s a different character speaking — Zeba, her mother, her father, and even her inner voice. There’s no judgment. It was a fascinating process as an actor.”
The idea for Zeba was born during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that left many people looking for creative outlets to pass the time. Like so many others, Qureshi found herself in a situation where she had to slow down, and it was in that space of enforced stillness that the seeds of the book were planted. “I’m a person who likes to keep working all the time,” Qureshi admitted. “But when COVID happened, I had all this time to myself, and everything that was inside of me started coming out.”
At its core, Zeba: An Accidental Superhero is a story of self-discovery and empowerment. It challenges stereotypes, particularly those placed upon Muslim women, and introduces a heroine who doesn’t conform to traditional expectations. “When we’re younger, we think that by our 30s, we’ll have it all figured out,” Qureshi explained. “But as you get older, you realize that even older people are still figuring things out. And as a Muslim woman, there are so many stereotypes about who we should be. But I’m a walking, talking jumble of contradictions. Where’s my representation?”
While Qureshi initially thought about turning her superhero concept into a film or series, she ultimately chose to write a book. “It was always about telling a story that was both modern and relevant, and that could connect the Muslim world with popular culture,” she said. Over the course of two years, the project gradually evolved, with Qureshi weaving together her thoughts and experiences into the character of Zeba.
Qureshi’s move into the literary world has been a success, not just because of the compelling story, but because of her commitment to ensuring that her book is both entertaining and thought-provoking. She chose HarperCollins as the publisher, a decision she made after considering the creative interaction she would have with them. “My publisher pushed me to rewrite, and I really enjoyed that process,” she shared.
As an actress, Qureshi has always gravitated toward roles that challenge societal norms and the expectations of women, and her book is no different. She spoke with pride about her experience on the set of Double XL, a film where she gained 20 kilos for her role. “I wanted to represent every girl or guy who has body image issues,” she said. “It made me understand the female body and the male gaze. It was about breaking down ideas of beauty.”
But it’s not just her work in film that Qureshi is proud of; it’s also about how she’s finally being compensated for the hard work she’s put in over the years. When asked about her preference for big-screen projects versus OTT storytelling, Qureshi replied with a wry smile, “I prefer the project that pays me the most money.” It’s a candid acknowledgment of the value of her labor in an industry where, she says, “sometimes, the hairdresser gets paid more than actresses in big mainstream films.”
Huma Qureshi’s Zeba: An Accidental Superhero is a bold and refreshing take on the superhero genre, filled with humor, heart, and empowerment. As she continues to break barriers and redefine what it means to be a woman in the modern world, her debut novel is a testament to her multifaceted talent and commitment to telling stories that matter.
For Qureshi, the journey from Bollywood to books is just the beginning. “It’s just the start,” she says with excitement. “Who knows where this could go?” But one thing is clear — Zeba is a hero for the modern age, full of contradictions, humor, and heart.
